Donovan Edward Barnum: June 18, 1935 – Jan. 14, 2017

Early Saturday morning, Jan. 14, Donovan Edward Barnum — caring husband, loving father, adored grandpa and great-grandpa — was taken from us by our loving God. He died surrounded in love by his family in Davis, Calif., where he and his wife had recently returned to live.

Don was born in Glendale, Calif., on June 18, 1935. He attended Van Nuys High School in Van Nuys, Calif. Don was extremely hard-working and loved taking care of his family.

He spent his career as a principal lab mechanician at the College Of Engineering at the University of California, L.A. from 1953 through 1970 and at the University of California, Davis from 1970 until his retirement.

Don was highly regarded and respected by his peers, coworkers and students. He loved working with his hands and could make almost anything. Metal work, wood working, restoring classic cars and restoring old AirStream trailers were especially enjoyable pastimes for him.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy Ann (Pyle) Barnum; three daughters, Lucinda Lee Childress (James Childress) of Davis, Calif., Rebecca Jill Johnson (Thomas Triplett) of Bloomington, Ind., and Tanya Sue Krone (Ray Krone) of Grantsville, Utah; and sister Charlene Barnum Brower of Los Osos, Calif. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one nephew and four nieces.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Bonnie Susan James, her husband Christopher “Kit” James and his younger brother Ernie Barnum.

Don and Judy moved to Whidbey Island after his retirement and enjoyed many years as members of the Whidbey Island Cruisers car club. He was an enthusiast of outdoor hobbies, especially if it involved a motor.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Pole Line Road Baptist Church, Davis, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Yolo Crisis Nursery. Friends@yolocrisisnursery.org