Donald Edward Gallup

Donald Edward Gallup (Don) passed away at home surrounded by family on October 27, 2023 in Estes Park, CO. Don was born June 7, 1922 to Ethel and George Gallup in Friend, NE. Don spent most of his youth in York, NE where he excelled in leadership, sports, and music, playing trombone, piano and singing in choirs. Don was an excellent athlete playing football, track, basketball, swimming, ping pong and golf. He enjoyed Boy Scouts, and was proud to be an Eagle Scout.

Before and after WWII, Don attended University of Nebraska graduating in 1948 with a degree in Business Administration. At UN he played trombone in the marching band, was very involved with ATO fraternity, and intramural sports. Drafted into the Air Force - Army Air Corp during WWII, he was a physical training instructor while in the States and in India. Lifelong friendships were made during WWII.

Don met his wife Marg on a blind date in Colorado and they were married for 73 years, living in Greeley, Wheatridge, Boulder and retiring in Estes Park. Don was a businessman and salesman; Vice President of Denver Steel Products, a commercial and industrial construction company building in Colorado and Wyoming.

After retiring they moved to Estes Park where they golfed, picnicked, hiked, and traveled frequently. Inspired by a golf trip to Scotland, he decided to write a book entitled “Golf Courses of Colorado” with son, Jim, about the public golf courses in Colorado and went to work playing every public course and taking detailed notes throughout Colorado.

Not ready to fully retire, Don and sons Jim and John started Colorado Leisure Sports producing a variety of products, their focus was on creative embroidered caps for the golf industry.

Don was a past member of EVRPD, and president during the reconstruction of the 18-hole golf course. He was an elder with Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies and Chairman of the Design and Construction committee to build the existing church. He was also a member of Masonic, Shriners, Sandblasters, Ambassador for Chamber of Commerce and volunteered at the Visitor’s Center and with Stephen’s Ministry through PCCR.

Don was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time outdoors, playing golf and cheering on his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Don is survived by children Jim (Leslie), Cathie, John (Karin), grandchildren Jason (Kristen), Jennifer, Ryan, Dana, Jesse, Sierra, Maggie, step children Jenni, Derek, Devon, great grandchildren Lucy and Sam, and nieces Chris Morgan and Deb Barber. He is preceded in death by his wife Marg, sister Dorothy Mills (Alex), and parents George and Ethel Gallup.

Contributions may be made to Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies in care of Allnutt Funeral Service 1302 Graves Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517

Private family service is planned per Don’s request. A casual gathering for a celebration of life will be held at Mother’s Café at the Estes Park Golf Course on November 18 from 11-1, all that knew Don are welcome to come raise a glass.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.allnuttestespark.com for the Gallup family.