Reprinted from the Rocket-Miner.com

Sammy Joe Barnum

HELPER, Utah -- Sammy Joe Barnum, 68, of Helper, Utah, died Oct. 14, 2014, in Price, Utah.  A resident of Helper, Utah, for the past nine years and former longtime Rock Springs resident, Mr. Barnum died following a lengthy illness.

He was born March 18, 1946 in Oak Creek, Colorado, the son of Charles and Josie Barnum.  He attended school in Rock Springs and was a 1964 graduate of Rock Springs High School.

Mr. Barnum served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  He enlisted in May 1965 and was discharged as a corporal in February 1969.

He married Nancy Shalata on March 15, 1969.  They divorced in April 1990.

He married Barbara Pilling in Price, Utah.

Mr. Barnum worked at FMC in the maintenance department and retired on March 18, 2011 after 42 years.

His interests included riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, his cabin, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife Barbara Barnum of Helper, Utah; three sons, Dan Barnum and Ron Barnum of Casper and Charles Barnum and wife Jodi, of Rock Springs; daughter Leslie Barnum of Portland, Oregon; brother Bob Barnum of Lyman; two sisters Eunice Atchinson of Albuquerque, NM and Bessie Rhodes of Tallahassee, Florida; five grandchildren, Charlie Barnum, Katelyn Barnum, Amanda Barnum, Kenyon Tucker and Quinten Tucker; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceeded in death by his parents; brother John Barnum; and sister Evelyn Sandoval.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Oct 18, 2014 at the Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 633 Bridger Ave., Rock Springs.  Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church.  Another mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Oct 21, 2014 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5 S Main St., Helper. Burial will be in the Mountain View Cemetary in Helper.  Condolences may be left at www.vasefuneralhome.com or rocketminer.com .