Allan P. Barnum
December 19, 2013
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Service Details
Allan P. Barnum, 75, passed away on December 19, 2013. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 22, 2013 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines and the funeral service on Monday, December 23 at 3:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Ave. in Clive.
Al was born on December 9, 1938 in Callender, IA to Floyd and Lennice Barnum. He graduated from Callender High School in 1956 and attended Iowa Central Community College and University of Iowa. He married Shirley A. Hanson in 1958 and later divorced. Al worked as a stockbroker for over 30 years in both Iowa and Minnesota. He owned a small souvenir shop in Nisswa, MN for several years called “The Totem Pole”. He married Mary (Swisher) Ballantine on May 1, 1982 and settled in Des Moines. Al opened his own business, Barnum Floors in 1995 and worked with his daughter, Kathy and son, Gary until his death.
Al will be remembered for his intense love and devotion to family, his gregarious personality, his love of history and a good debate, especially if it involved politics. He loved to travel with his wife, Mary and close friends; and to Costa Rica with his daughter, Kelly. Al never met a stranger. He was a mentor to many in business and was a father figure to others throughout his life. He was frugal – yet beyond generous. He was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Clive, National Wood Flooring Association, West Des Moines Kiwanis, and the Westside Conservative Club.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary Barnum; children, Kathryn (Kelm Brueschke) Barnum, Gary (Sandy Fulton) Barnum, Kelly Barnum Lackman; step-children, Lisa (Jerry) Budde, John Ballantine and Amy (Shane) Smock; grandchildren, Madison, Amberle (Travis), Faith, Ella, Aubrey, Kyra, Eva, Angela, Carson, and Shane; great-grandchildren, Trinity and Ariana; sister-in-law, Gloria Barnum; nieces, Suzie (Tom) and Jeannie (Jeff).
Al was preceded in death by his father, Floyd in 2002; his mother, Lennice in 2006; and his brother, Robert G. Barnum in 2011.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Sherry Anderson
12/28/2013
Mary,
We are at Cindy's in AZ. I just happened to go to the Messenger online today and was saddened to read that Al had died.
Our hearts go out to you. You and your family are in our thoughts in prayers.
Ed and Sherry
Denny Arthur
12/24/2013
I am very sorry about your Dad, Gary. It's so hard losing a parent.
Sincerely,
Denny Arthur
Rosalie Gedler
12/24/2013
Dear Mary,
Sorry to hear of Al's death. I remember the fun trips together with Polk County Bank. It was good to meet and enjoy good times together. Your faith and family support will help you through this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rosalie Gedler
Kimberly Busbee
12/23/2013
To the Barnum family:
We were so sorry to hear of Allan's passing and regret we couldn't attend the memorial service. We are in Iowa City visiting my sister, Leslie Braynard.
I have many fond childhood memories of seeing Allan and Robert in Gowrie, Iowa visiting with my mother Evelyn Barnum Schroeder and my grandma Eva (Matie) Barnum and with my uncle and aunt, Floyd and Lennie. I didn't know Allan well because he was older than I, but I remember what a charming, intelligent person he was. Then, later, when we re-met in Des Moines, we had a chance to reconnect. I was working on getting the Vaudeville Mews Theatre opened for business. I remember the remarkable good nature, kindness and generosity of both Allan and Gary who donated flooring and installed it all on a tight timeline. I am very grateful to have known Allan and wish we had had more family time together. He was a truly special person. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Sending love and prayers,
Kimberly Schroeder Busbee
and family
Mary Earley
12/23/2013
Mary, I was so sorry to hear of Al's passing. My deepest sympathy goes out to you & your family. Take care,
Mary Earley
Kip Morsch
12/23/2013
I'm saddened to hear that Al past away. I truely enjoyed knowing him as a person and a customer. He touched many peoples lifes as he did mine. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
William E. (Bill) Taber
12/23/2013
I truly enjoyed working with Al while we were associated with Principal Financial Securities/EGT. A bright guy with a big heart. I feel fortunate to have met him. My life was enriched by his living example of goodwill towards others.
Richard & Daniel Antes
12/23/2013
Our thoughts are with you and your family. Your father was a fine man.
Daniel speaks highly of Al and his interactions with him and the Barnum family members.
Duane Hartzler
12/23/2013
Carolyn Loehr Hartzler, my wife and I send our condolences to Allan's family. Carolyn was a 2nd cousin to Allan and was born the same year near Callender. We knew Allan very well, but lost contact over the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Bill & Ruthi Lowry
12/22/2013
Mary,
Words cannot express our sorrow for you and your family.
It took a winter storm to keep us from being at your side today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will cherish the memories of our times together. Hope to see you soon.
Ronald & Janice Wolf
12/22/2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of need. We were neighbors when the Barnums lived at Callender, IA, on the farm, but we kept in touch even after that! Our folks and their folks were very good friends!
Chris Davis
12/21/2013
Al was truly a good man, and will be missed. But heaven just got a little brighter.
Harold Hall
12/21/2013
Barnum Family: Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. I was terribly saddened when I heard about Als passing. Peace be with you all during this difficult time.
Your Friend,
Harold Hall
Mirage Hardwood Flooring
Jerry & Judy Abrahamson
12/21/2013
Dear Mary, Very sorry to hear of Al's death. We remember the nice times that we had with both of you. Al and I spent many afternoons playing cards, working in the brokerage together, going to Costa Rica white water rafting. Our memories are fond of the two of you.
Suzie, Tom, and Tristy
12/21/2013
Dear Allan,
I am going to miss you so much. You are a wonderful Uncle. I appreciate everything you are and have done for me and my family. You have been my rock since my Dad passed away two years ago. Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa and you will be together now. I know I will see you all again. I love you. So long!
Suzie, Tom, and Tristy