Charles Barnum Jr. was born on June 28, 1942 affectionately known as “Byrd”, to Charles and Irene Barnum in Shreveport, Louisiana. He is the younger of two children; his sister Kathryn Calvin whom he loved dearly all preceded him in death.
Charles grew up in Los Angeles, CA where he accepted Christ at an early age. He worked as a self-employed painter with his brother in law Lonnie B. Calvin, whom preceded him in death. He met and married Tommie Sena Barnum whom preceded him in death.
He then met Mary Ellen Cottrell in Santa Barbara, California, his life partner of 40 years until his passing.
He leaves to cherish – his children:
Shontae Williams, Latashia Sumlin, Mark Barnum, Michele Banks, Charles Barnum III, Charlene Barnum, Kesha Harness, Kathryn Cottrell, Latoya Cottrell, Lamika Cottrell and Brandy Barnum-Cottrell.
3 Step Children, 33 Grandchildren, and 7 Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.