Melvin 'Barney' Gum

Melvin “Barney” Gum left this world to meet the Lord at 12:00 P.M. on Friday September 26, 2008 at the home of his loving son Raymond and wife Mildred’s in Keyesport. His grandson Jim was at his side the last month.Melvin was born on June 19, 1907 in Tamalco Township/Bond County to Gustav and Ann (Carroll) Gum. He married Grace Mills August 23, 1927 and she preceded him in death on August 10, 1983.He is survived by two sons: Raymond and wife Mildred Gum of Keyesport and Stanley Gum of Lebanon; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and 14 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son: Roy Gum; grandson Raymond Gum, Jr.; and granddaughter: Carmella.Melvin retired from Barry Wehmueller Corp of St. Louis. He was a member of the Odd Fellows for over 40 years and was active at all lodge functions and a member of the International Associations of Machinists and Aerospace Workers for over 30 years. He enjoyed going to the Bond County Fair and rode in the rodeo with his sons for many years and had a horse that he pulled in the pulling contest. He enjoyed working with the younger kids and was active in the 4-H, having served as a leader for years. He helped his grandsons show cattle, sheep and hogs at fairs all over the state. He gave up farming years ago, but never gave up the love for the farm. He was well known for fox and coon hunter and had sheep and goats in Keyesport and entertained all the kids in town with them. Do to his age, the last few years he got around town on his Snapper lawn mower, or as he called it his Keyesport Cadillac.Funeral services will be held at the Frerker Funeral Home in Carlyle on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Dale Deverek officiating. The interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery near Tamalco.Friends may visit with the family at the Frerker Funeral Home on Monday from 5 to 8:00 P.M. or on Tuesday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services. The Odd Fellows will conduct a memorial service at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.Expressions of sympathy may be made in Melvin’s memory to the Gum family