John LeRoy "Roy" Barnum passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Sunday, September 10th, at his residence in Mesa, Arizona. He was born November 23rd, 1929 to Zera and Harriet Barnum in Logandale, Nevada as the youngest of four children.
Roy graduated from Moapa Valley High School in 1948. He joined the Navy Reserves while in high school at the age of 16, but due to hearing problems was drafted into the US Army after graduation. After being honorably discharged he earned his radio technician license and went to work for Bonanza Airlines. His work brought him to the Phoenix area where he remained for the rest of his life, forever earning him the nickname of "Arizona Grandpa" or "Plane Grandpa" from his grandchildren.
As an airline employee Roy took advantage of many travel opportunities and loved to visit new places and travel to visit family. One of his favorite experiences was riding a 100 foot zipline in Costa Rica. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed frequently serving in the temple during his later years, and had many friends in his church congregations.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings, his wife Dolores, and two children, Steven and Jeanne. He is survived by four: Merl of Montana, Julie of Arizona, Marie of Arizona, Mabel of Michigan and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A visitation for John will be held Friday, September 15, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 South Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202.
A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1500 East 6th Street, Mesa, AZ 85203.
A graveside committal service will occur Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 12:30 PM at Green Acres Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Barnum family.
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