A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
From the Midland Daily News, Midland, Michigan, April 11, 2010: Robert Ira Barnum died at home on April 9, 2010. Bob was born in Prescott on May 2, 1928. He will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, and father to four daughters and three step-daughters. Married to Millie in 1978, Bob and Millie spent their later years as "professional grandparents" to their grandchildren and many others who considered them honorary grandparents. Bob Barnum was a kind and gentle family man whose life serves as an example for those who knew him. He was a supportive father and ready listener. As a master electrician, Bob enjoyed technical problem solving. He worked at Dow Corning Corp. for 35 years. A graduate of County Normal, Bob was an educator who was a teacher in a one-room school, but continued as a lifelong mentor to apprentice electricians, as a Sunday school teacher, and to those requiring help in fixing something or identifying a plant in the woods. A member of the Midland Church of the Brethren, Bob served as a deacon for decades. He taught Sunday school and especially enjoyed working with babies and small children. His kind and gentle presence at church will be missed. Bob was also active in the Faith Wesleyan Church, where Millie is a member. Together they served to help others through their churches and Cancer Services. Bob served on the advisory board for Senior Services for 22 years. Following retirement, Bob began writing poetry and reminiscences of growing up in rural Michigan in the 1930s and 40s. He wrote more than 700 pages of stories and poetry celebrating the important occasions of the family and his love of nature. He enjoyed a weekly writer's group at Trailside Senior Center. Robert is survived by his soul-mate and wife, Millie; his daughters, stepdaughters and sons-in law, Kathleen and Joe Miller, Elizabeth Barnum and Ken Corsbie, Lucinda and Dan Barnum-Steggerda, Jean and Gary Crosby, Diane and Ken Hoffman, Cindy and Henry Seeley, and Karen Wolfe and Bruce Reed. He is also survived by his sisters, Stella Card, Mildred Card, Mona Wenzel; and brother, John Barnum. Grandpa will be missed by his 16 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was married to Violet Stern in 1952, who predeceased him in 1977. He was also predeceased by his parents, Barna and Martha Barnum; and brothers, Harold, and Tom. The Rev. Art Smith of the Church of the Brethren and The Rev. Dennis Curell will be officiating, with burial to take place at the Midland Cemetery.
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
AncientFaces - Family History Photos
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