John Bingham

John W. Bingham
October 21, 1937 – July 29, 2015

John Wayne “Johnny” Bingham, 77, of Waco, passed away July 29, 2015 at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco after a courageous battle with cancer. A private family service is pending. Friends and family are invited to stop by OakCrest Funeral Home between the hours of 12 – 4pm on Saturday and 12-4 pm on Sunday to pay their respects.

John was born October 21, 1937 in Clovis, NM to A.B. and Rose Bingham. He graduated from Clovis High School as Vice President of his class. John and all three of his siblings attended Baylor University at the same time. He would jokingly say he was the “black sheep” of his family because he was the only one that did not go on to get his Master’s and/or Doctorate degree. John transferred to Texas Tech in Lubbock and enrolled in the engineering program. He was in the Army Reserves at this time and later returned to Baylor, changing his major to math. It was at this time he met his future wife, Suzanne Sellers and just this past April, they had celebrated 43 years of marriage.

John said one of the highlights of his time at Baylor was tutoring Price Daniel, Jr., son of Governor Daniel. He was invited to attend the Governor’s Ball, but was not able to attend. You would never know that about John unless it came up in conversation. He was a machinist in the Reserves and fell in love with it and wanted to teach machine shop. He retired in 1993 to farm and ranch. He and his wife had just purchased a place that they loved to spend time at. John’s favorite things were going to their ranch and taking care of his horses and hummingbirds. Suzanne taught him to fish, camp and appreciate all animals. He also loved outside activities with family and friends and especially enjoyed growing wonderful tomatoes that he would share with others. Growing up on the farm, John did not get to enjoy these things because it took the whole family to maintain their dairy farm, which was the only dairy in Curry County, New Mexico. He loved to do all his chores without help and was very independent. John loved NASCAR and Jeff Gordon, talking politics and cheering on the Baylor Girls’ Basketball team. He was passionate about watching football, anything John Deere and his sweet Suzanne’s delicious coffee, which he said was the best in the world!

His greatest joys were old western movies, documentaries on farming and ranching, RFD TV, and his puppy love Snitzel. John had a way of always making others feel good about themselves and was especially proud of his & Suzanne’s families. Johnny had a special place in his heart for his nieces, Shawna and Cristin, who treated him so well. His medical team meant a lot to him and had commented they were amazed that even though he was uncomfortable from complications, he never lost his big smile and they always looked forward to seeing him.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don Bingham, Dr. Fred Bingham; and in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Sellers, Jr.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Suzanne Bingham; sister, Linda Bowers and husband Dave of CO; brother in law and sister in law, Monta and Ted Conner of Valley Mills; several nieces and nephews, including Shawna and Cristin, who held a dear place in his heart; many cousins; and his best buddy, Snitzel, the weenie dog.

John’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Rudranath Talukdar (Dr. T) and Julie; Dr. Dominic Nguyen and Dorothy; and the entire Baylor Scott & White Cancer Unit, hospital staff as well as Scott & White Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Baylor Scott & White McClinton Cancer Center, Waco, www.foundation.sw.org /give or to the Humane Society of Central Texas, Waco, www.humanesocietycentraltexas.org.