David Russell Barnum, 76, died at home on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. A native and lifelong resident of Great Barrington David was born on June 18, 1938, the son of Irving and Gertrude (Briggs) Barnum. He attended the former Searles High School and worked as Head of Grounds for the Blodgett Estate which later became Simon's Rock. What started as a furniture upholstery hobby became his profession for 30 years. He was a long time board member of the United Methodist Church in Great Barrington. He was a talented gardener, florist and pie-baker who loved to share his creations with friends and family. David also loved to walk and could be seen walking almost daily uptown and back to his South Main Street home. David is survived by his wife Mary Lou (Frink) Barnum of 55 years and his children Glenn D. Barnum and his wife Sheryl of Chesapeake, Virginia, Jacqueline M. Spaniol and her husband David of Great Barrington, and Lisa Taikowski and her husband Scot of Great Barrington and his sister Betty Graham also of Great Barrington. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren who all knew him as "Poppy", Glenn Jr., Amanda, Michael, Megan, Matthew, and Scot, Jr., his great-grandchildren, Sierra, Brandi, and Bella as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Harold "Pork" and Clarence "Pickle" Barnum. It so happened that Mother, Gertrude passed New Year's Eve 1990 followed 12 hours later on New Year's day 1991 by her son, Pickle and now her son, David 24 years later also on New Year's Eve. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10th at 10:00 a.m. at the Ashley Falls United Methodist Church, 1156 Ashley Falls Rd, Ashley Falls, MA, conducted by Pastor Kenneth Phesay. Burial will immediately follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Great Barrington. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9th from 4-7 p.m. at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME in Great Barrington. In lieu of flowers and in honor of David's love for animals, the family asks that contributions be made to Berkshire Humane Society Purradise Animal Protection Organization in care of FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances for his family may be sent through www.finnertyandstevens.com
