William Bingham

 

William H. Bingham died Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. He was born Dec. 8, 1930, in Abilene, Kan., to William H. Oliver, Jr. and Charlotte Oliver. He was later adopted by Harry and Lucille (Allen) Bingham. The family moved around to find work in the early 1930s, eventually moving to Mont-

rose, where they lived with his grandfather on his farm, south of town. Bill attended grade school in Montrose, but the family eventually relocated to Mankato, where employment opportunities opened up at the beginning of World War II. Bill attended Mankato High School, graduating in 1949. While attending high school, he participated in football, basketball and track. He excelled in all three sports.

Bill married Norma Mae Mog, the love of his life, on June 5, 1955, in Mankato. The same year they moved to Manhattan, where he attended Kansas State University, graduating in 1959. They had three children; Kim R., born in Manhattan; Kevin M., born in Wurzburg, Germany; and Cheri L., born in Bamberg, Germany.

Bill was patriotic and proud to serve in the military. As a member of the U.S. Air Force, he served in Korea in that conflict and was a member of the Kansas National Guard. He received a commission through the Army R.O.T.C. at Kansas State University and returned to active duty in November of 1959. He remained on active duty until November of 1972. During that time, he and his family were stationed in Germany for three years and several United States Army Installations. He served two tours in Vietnam. Upon release from active duty, he remained in the U.S. Army Reserves until he retired. During his service in the military, he received numerous decorations, awards and service ribbons; they included the Bronze Star Medals (2), Meritorious Service Medals (2), Army Commendation Medals (2), Army Achievement Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.

Upon release from active duty, Bill and family moved to Salina. He continued to work as a civilian for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as park ranger at Kanopolis and Wilson Lakes and a reality specialist for the Kansas City district. His final years of employment were with the Saline county appraisals office.

Bill was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina, where he served in several positions.

He had a great appreciation for God's creation of the outdoors, nature and the elements in general. His special interests were watching KSU football and basketball, hunting, flower gardening and observing changes in the weather. He had a great love for his wife of 65 years and the rest of his family. He strongly believed God's greatest gift to him was his wife, children and grandchildren. He knew without his wife's love, support and sacrifices, he would never had been as successful as he was. Bill enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they grew up. He took deep pride and satisfaction in observing their participation in school activities and sports. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and adoptive parents.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; children, Kim R. Ringer, Salina, Kevin M. Bingham (Kim), Olathe, and Cheri L. Smith (Mark), Salina; grandchildren, Sierra and Tarren Bingham, Talor, Connor (Kylie), Logan and Quinn Smith; and great-grandchildren, Cash and Colt Smith.

Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 2, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with family present from 6 to 7.

His funeral was at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina. Burial with military honors followed in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, the D.A.V., or the National MS Society, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th St, Salina, Kan. 67401.

 

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