Ivan John Clum

Ivan John Clum, 90, of Sun Lakes, Arizona passed away on October 7, 2024, after a long and exceptionally well-lived life.

John was born August 18, 1934, in Unadilla, New York to John E. Clum and Eva S. Sutton. He held several jobs as a young man, pinsetter at a bowling alley, farm worker and coal company assistant to his father. He loved to hunt and fish and he starred in a few high school musicals.

He left high school to join the Air Force to serve the country that he loved for 21 years and retired as a Master Sergeant. He travelled the world with the Air Force and on numerous vacations later in life. John worked for Simpson Norton as a second career, where he enjoyed time on golf courses fixing their irrigation issues. He was an amateur magician, a professional golfer, loved to dance and sing out loud. John was an avid storyteller. He entertained us all recounting many adventures throughout his life. He was a man of extraordinary intelligence, wit, character, generosity and humor.

He loved deeply and let people know it. While they were alive, he talked to his sisters every Sunday. To the very end he was in contact with grade school friends (there are two left), his first wife’s family (the Jennings), his nieces, nephews (Cretaros and Crandalls), cousins and friends on the East coast, friends from the service and friends made along the way.

The world was a better place with him in it-he will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife, Gloriene, his children Barbara (Bobbie Clum) Trollope (David), Kathleen Renee Clum, Debi Love (Les), Jack Crandall, Rod McElwee (Mel) and Rhonda McElwee. John was a devoted grandfather to Joseph, Johnathan, Anthony, Samantha, Justin, Clint, John, Brant, Clinton, and Keith, along with nineteen great-grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by his parents, his siblings Gertrude Cretaro, Helen Crandall and Barbara Clum, wives Bonnie Jennings and Lorraine Ells, and grandson Anthony.

Two of John’s (many) favorite charities were St. Jude’s Children's Hospital and Wounded Warriors.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10:30 at Whitney & Murphy Bueler Mortuary, 14 W. Hulet Drive, Chandler, Arizona 85225.