Robert Lee Barnum's Obituary
Robert Lee Barnum (SFC USA Retired) Born June 22, 1925; died January 26, 2008. He was 82. Always known as "Barnum". Loving father, grandfather and friend was preceded in death by his wife, Elouise, in 1979. He served in the US Marine Corps in WWII, and participated in the island invasion at Ti Pan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. Wounded on three occasions. (Purple Heart with two stars). He married Elouise in 1952. Barnum served as a Marine for 14 years, then transferred to the US Army in 1959. He served in Europe and Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1968. He then went on to work for University Place School District for 18 years. In 1979 his beloved wife passed away from cancer and he found himself raising his daughter, Amy, by himself. Nobody could have done a better job. Barnum always enjoyed life, traveling and participating in many endeavors involving risk: skydiving, bungee jumping, parasailing, water skiing, and snow skiing - in each, he excelled. One of his greatest joys was being a grandfather to Brett. "That boy is something else!" he'd often say with obvious pride. His fantastic sense of humor, 'down home' wit and infectious laugh worked wonders with friends and family. Barnum's friendship equaled love and caring. He is survived by his daughter Amy Petrovich (Matthew), grandson Brett, and his sister Lavetria of Louisiana, plus a host of friends. To all, Barnum would say, "Adios, Amigos and Goodbye!"
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