BARNUM, Dr. Elmo Vieth

BARNUM, VIETH

Posted By: Sharon B Becker (email)
Date: 10/31/2014 at 13:33:01

Obituary ~ Dr. Elmo Vieth Barnum
October 11, 1917 ~ April 09, 2001

Simpson Magazine
Simpson College, Indianola, Warren County, Iowa
Spring, 2001

Dr. Elmo V. Barnum '40, a longtime friend of Simpson whose generous support of the college included establishing five endowed scholarship funds, refurbishing the Smith Chapel organ and enhancing the studio theatre, died at a Des Moines hospital April 9th. He had lived in Indianola since 1985. Barnum graduated from Leon High School in 1935. He then attended Simpson College to study chemistry, graduating in 1940.

Following graduation, he worked as a metallurgic chemist for a steel foundry in Bettendorf, Iowa for some two years before his entry into the United States Navy. During World War II Barnum was a commanding officer aboard a landing craft control ship. He survived six amphibious invasions during which many of his shipmates were killed. He and other survivors were awarded the Navy's second top honor, the Silver Cross.

After his service Barnum attended Columbia University to become a doctor of optometry. He then returned to Leon and practiced for 35 years. He retired from his eye clinic in 1984.

He was known as a philanthropist and derived great satisfaction from his ability to help others, particularly the students who received funding from the five endowed scholarships he has funded beginning in 1984. One is named for him; the other four for friends and important people in his life. Since the first was established, 77 students have received support. Each year the college would sponsor a luncheon for the students, and Barnum always enjoyed being able to interact with "his students," telling them about the person after whom the scholarship was named. Besides Simpson he gave to many causes, including Camp Wesley Woods, the Village Retirement Home and, significantly, to projects in his hometown of Leon.

He received the Simpson College Alumni Achievement Award in 1985. In 2000, Barnum was awarded Simpson College's community service award.

Survivors include his sister, Bernita Barnum of Indianola.

[Interment was made at Leon Cemetery.]

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2014