A true Renaissance Man – a man of multi-disciplined greatness – is a rare man indeed. When one such man passes through the door to eternity, the world grows dimmer, its beauty diminished, and we must wait for the Muses to anoint the next man of inspiration.
Francis J. “Barney” Barnum was such a man, and on Saturday, September 15, 2018, his 90 years of life concluded, and he passed away at his home in Wildwood, Florida.
Born August 22, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio, Barney enlisted in the U.S. Army before beginning his storied career as a sculptor. He began designing toys for the Kenner Toy Company, including the first Star Wars action figures, “Mr. Potato Head”, and the “Six Million Dollar Man”. In later years, Barney received acclaim and fame, sculpting intricate, historically accurate Civil War figurines and battle scenes in pewter and bronze, attracting a devoted fanbase. He also sculpted creations for the world-famous Bradford Exchange Collectibles.
Never content to rest upon the laurels of his success, in later years Barney set aside sculpting to pursue the new artistic challenge of painting. Self-taught, Barney reveled in creating gorgeous, life-like acrylic landscapes of places he loved.
However, as soon as Barney mastered one discipline, it was time to master the next. Barney’s interests evolved and expanded with each year, including gardening, cooking, baking, raising exotic fish, and fishing the ponds near his home.
Barney leaves behind his dear wife Mary, with whom he shared beloved companionship, and their little dog, Lexie (to whom he was slavishly devoted). He was preceded in death by one son, but is survived by 3 sons, 2 stepsons, a stepdaughter, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with a multitude of other loved ones, kindred friends, and avid collectors of his art.
His beloved wife Mary remembers Barney as “a friend to many, and loved by all who knew him.”
While there will be no services held in Barney’s honor, his memory, artistic genius, hearty laugh, and smiling eyes will be cherished by all who were blessed to be in his life.
