Donald Barnum

Our family member and friend, Donald Barnum was born in Los Angeles, California, to Marion and Mildred Harrold Barnum.  He spent his childhood in Needles, California swimming in the Colorado River and hiking with his dog in the hills.  He graduated from San Bernardo High School and promptly enlisted in the United States Navy where he served on the LST Tioga County on Guam Sailing along the Marina Islands to Japan.

Returning to civilian life he met Karen Griswold at the Broadway Hollywood Department Store while purchasing a Christmas gift for his grandmother.  He and Karen were married and lived in Burbank, California.  In December of 1961, daughter Bonnie was born.  He worked at Union bank and continued his education graduating from Glendale College.  Don gave his heart and life to Jesus as his savior on October 6, 1963 was baptized at the Valley Baptist Church in Burbank, Ca.

A move to Bakersfield led him into the finance business and then the birth in 1967 of daughter Beverly.  Moves to Ventura, and Salinas eventually led them to Texas where they settled in Corpus Christi where he found work in auto sales eventual opening his own business with partner Hilton Easterling.  Enjoying the successful business, he was persuaded to enter the insurance business with AFLAC where he achieved many awards. Later in modified retirement he worked with Old Surety Life selling Medicare supplements.  He enjoyed assisting people with their insurance needs

In 1980, in his family room the organizing meeting for grace Baptist Church was held which is still worshiping church in Portland Texas.  Through the years he has served in many positions in churches most notable as song leader who had learn the songs from Karen because he could not read music but he loved to sing praises to his Lord.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Karen Griswold Barnum, Daughter Bonnie Lee Turner and husband Michael Turner of Portland Texas, Daughter Beverly Lynne Edwards and husband Michael Edwards of Spring, Texas Granddaughter Meagan Turner of Leakey Texas Brian Turner and wife Captain Kelly Turner of Elgin, OK Grandsons Kameron Edward and Dylan Edwards and Gran daughter Skyler Edwards of Spring Texas