Thomas E. (Tom) Bingaman, passed away Friday, September 29, 2017, in his home with his family by his side. He was 82 years old. Tom was born in the family home in Springfield, MO on August 20, 1935 to Robert and Goldie (Letterman) Bingaman. He graduated from Springfield Senior High in 1953. He followed in the footsteps of his three older brothers by serving his country in the military. He was a lifetime member of East Avenue and later National Heights Baptist Church, and was an employee of the Springfield News-Leader for 37 years, retiring in 1997. He will be remembered as a good teammate; a hardworking, dependable coworker; and a dedicated family man and friend. He was a fan of all sports but especially loved playing fast pitch softball in the sixties and was an avid fan of MSU basketball. Friends from church remember him for his service to the children in the church. For over twenty years he held many roles in Children’s Church. Teaching children about Christ’s love was something Tom was passionate about.
Tom was joined in marriage to Polly Mitchell in 1963. He was blessed with two daughters Jean and Sheri and two granddaughters, Jessica and Mattie. He loved spending time with his family whether it be making special shaped pancakes for the girls before school, taking them to summer swim lessons, making costumes for plays and Halloween, going out to lunch, or buying them special treasures at garage sales. His presence and love will be deeply missed by his family.
In July of 1996 Tom was gifted with a liver transplant. Thank you to the donor, the donor’s family and Barnes-Jewish Hospital Liver Transplant Department, for the many years of life granted to Tom. There are so many people to thank for praying for and helping Tom the last twenty two years. Our family, friends, church family, the Cox Senior Center North Health Team (Tina, Marty, Sonnie, Dr. Rosen) and countless others throughout CoxHealth.
Tom was proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Goldie, and two brothers, Joe and C.L. Bingaman. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Polly, two beloved daughters, Jean (Matt) Cobban, and Sheri (Rich) Kennehan. Two cherished granddaughters, Jessica and Mattie Cobban. One brother, Jim (Betty) Bingaman, one aunt, Pansy Long, one brother-in-law, Mac (Lue) Mitchell, one sister-in-law, Joy Bingaman and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Monday, October 2, 2017 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm, Tuesday, October 3, 2017 in the funeral home with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to National Heights Baptist Church, Children’s Ministries or to the charity of the donor’s choice.