Charlie John Charles Barnum passed away Thursday, 18 January 2024.

Charles and Susan Tyler Barnum were married almost 60 years. He was the loving father of Elizabeth-Ann Tyler Barnum and John Charles Barnum II (Tara), proud grandfather of Elizabeth Leigh Tyler Barnum and Harrison Samuel Barnum. He is survived by his wife, Susan, son Jack, brother Jim Barnum (Gracie), nieces Angie Hooman and Michelle Binkley gracious Aunt Harriett Thompson and cousins. He was a friend to many, including customers.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Stanley and Mildred Barnum, daughter Elizabeth-Ann, brother Stanley Barnum, nephew Brian Barnum and loving uncle Louie Thompson.

Charles was born on Valentine's Day, 14 February 1942 to Stan and Mildred and when his brothers Stan and Jim were born 11 months later, they were known as Irish Triplets. Charles grew up in Mt. View Presbyterian Church and was a member of John Calvin Presbyterian Church serving in various offices since 1977. He loved to sing and was a member of the church choir for years and sang many solos; he always sang or hummed wherever he was. He was an avid Bridge player and played Pinochle every Wednesday; he also liked movies and was an avid reader, attending book fairs. He liked to bowl and could be called to play golf and was out the door. He was also an avid swimmer.

He graduated from Mountain View High School, attended Rolla School of Mines, and was a student at Southwest Missouri State where he met his wife, Susan, naturally at a card game. They were married 12 June 1964 in Springfield, Missouri. Charles was in ROTC at SMS and was stationed at the U.S. Army Administration Center in Overland, serving in the Army Reserves for 2 years after active duty, serving as a Captain.

He worked at a St. Louis bank selling readers, then took a job at Computer Micro Graphic selling readers, microfilm and microfiche services. In 1975 he and his business partner John Hose formed their own company Custom Micrographics, Inc. That business was very successful for 17 years until 1992 when they sold the company and ultimately retired. He enjoyed sales and was a people person.

He was a member of XLOPR a micro film and later laser vender organization when it started, serving as a member and board member for years, traveling in the US and overseas, and also a member of several business organizations.

Charles was the type of person who got along with everyone, easy going and kind, was a blood donor and upon his death, a tissue donor.

I Corinthians 13: 4-7 was fitting for Charles. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always hopes, always perseveres.