John Allendavid Elstun

John A. Elstun, 84, of Lakewood, Colorado passed away June 24, 2014. He was born August 3, 1929 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of John and Elizabeth (Pulliam) Elstun.

He was a graduate of Norwood High School where he played football and performed in the school plays and the glee club. After high school, he joined the Navy and was based in Norfolk, VA. He was a radioman on a tanker during the Korean conflict.

While home on leave, he attended a Norwood Christian Church picnic and met Gypsy Harrison whom he married on January 1, 1953. He then attended the University of Cincinnati and studied broadcasting.

While living in Cincinnati, John and Gypsy had two children, David Jonathan, born November 3, 1953 and Julia Rose, born April 27, 1956.

After completing broadcasting school, he got his first job in radio at KLMO in Longmont, CO. He then became a top 40 disc jockey at KUDY ("Cutie") in Denver, CO. His radio name was Jim Dandy.

From Denver, the family moved to Butte, Montana where he served as the program director for KOPR and went by John Allen on air. Later he moved to KMUR in the Salt Lake City area. By 1964, John and his family moved back to Denver where he ended his radio career at KDEN.

In order to provide more stability for his family, he made a career change and became a counselor working with abused children. He eventually became a youth counselor for teens in the juvenile delinquent system. He received a distinguished service award and retired from working for the Department of Youth Services in August of 1987.

During the time that he worked for the State, he attended Loretto Heights College in the University Without Walls program. He received his Bachelor's degree in English Language Arts.

Throughout his adult years he acted and directed in community, church, and professional theaters. He appeared in plays at Elitch Gardens, The Bonfils, and the Arvada Center as well as other local theaters. He was also represented by Donna Baldwin Talent and appeared in numerous commercials.

Once he retired in 1987, he went back to school again, this time he obtained his diploma from Colorado Clown's Clown School. John and Gypsy clowned together as Grandpa Tweedle and Dipsy Deedle. They entertained for birthdays, company parties, and picnics for twelve years. He became president of Colorado Clowns in 1994.

He was a devoted Christian man who was very involved and served as an Elder and Deacon in several churches he attended. In most recent years he and his wife, Gypsy attended Southern Gables Church.

John is survived by Wife, Gypsy; Son, David Jonathan (Connie) Elstun; Daughter, Julia Rose (David) Payne; Grandchildren: Harrison John Elstun, Agnese Rose Payne and Baiba Rose Payne; Step Grandchildren: Natalie Nalepa and Daryl Kalina; Siblings: Charles Elstun and Elta Sherouse; numerous nieces, nephews and family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

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