John Franklin Allen

John Franklin Allen, age 79, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at a local nursing home.

Celebration of Life: 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Hidden Gardens Venue, 8229 Jacksboro Hwy., Lakeside, Texas 76135

John was born in Louisville, Kentucky on November 8, 1943 to Willis & Gertrude Allen. John served in the United States Air Force from 1962 -1966.  While in the military, he was a painter and painted war aircraft. He worked on planes at Meacham airport and customized Elvis Presley’s private airplane with a baby blue tufted interior.

Some may know him as “Mountain Man John.” He reveled in the adventure and independence of the mountain man life. His life was nearly as adventurous as his stories. John was friends with Grizzly Adams and created turquoise jewelry for him. He loved the outdoors, collected natural elements to create works of art, and he was a talented artist and loved working with his hands – creating knives, tools, leather bags and silver smithing.

John was a certified Volkswagen mechanic and claimed to be the best one in Fort Worth. He was a mechanical engineer for the Star Telegram and JPS Health systems.

John never met a stranger. Every week he would set up at the local flea market and trade with all his buddies. John enjoyed the simple life.

He is survived by his sisters, LaGrada McFelia and Diann Baysinger (Ernie); daughters, Cindy Jacobs (Raymond), Shelly King (Darren); son, Cody Allen (Sierra); and many grandkids as well as extended family.

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