William H. Bingham

SALINA – William H. Bingham passed away Friday, February 26, 2021. He was born December 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 1930’s, eventually moving to Montrose, 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 wonderful children; Kim R., born in Manhattan; Kevin M., born in Wurzburg, Germany; and Cheri L., born in Bamberg, Germany.

Bill was very patriotic and proud to serve in the military for many years. 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 during that conflict. 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 a Park Ranger at Kanopolis and Wilson Lakes and a Reality Specialist for the KC 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 for the great 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 that God’s greatest gift to him was his wife, children and grandchildren. He knew that without his wife’s love, support and sacrifices that he would never had been as successful during his life as he was. Bill loved 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, Taylor, Connor (Kylie), Logan and Quinn Smith; and great-grandchildren, Cash and Colt Smith.

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

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina. Burial with military honors will follow 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.

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