David Frederick Barnum

David grew up in primarily in Norfolk, graduating from Granby High School in 1966. Upon graduation he attended Frederick Military Academy followed by a brief enrollment in Old Dominion University before entering the family iron works business, Barnum-Bruns Ironwork.

After completing Ironworker Apprenticeship, he became a journeyman ironworker contributing to the completion of projects on Wallops and Hog Island amongst many others. He transitioned to an estimator before switching careers to serve as a Game Warden for the State of Virginia. He eventually returned to work as an estimator, most notably as a contributor to the growth of Osborne Welding in Portsmouth, VA over the past 30 years.

Mr. Barnum is survived by his son Michael and partner Tifini, son Andrew Barnum, his sisters Theresa Bancroft, Roberta Boeh and husband Tim, his brother Patrick Barnum and wife Linda, niece Ruthanne Scheiner and husband Brian, nephew James Bancroft and wife Sara as well as his extended family at Osborne Welding and countless lives he impacted in the Hampton Roads area over 77 years with us. He will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers the family asks any donations in his name to be made to the Special Olympics Area 2 or the American Cancer Society.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, located at 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia, 23666, in the Chapel.

A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby St., Norfolk, VA, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.