Obituary 2/27/25

Barry Patton Bingham

April 23, 1942 - February 20, 2025

Barry  Bingham smiled as he saw Jesus, entering his heavenly home at 2:20 am on 2-20-25. He is now standing tall, free of pain, worshipping his Lord.

Barry was born to Vern and Edith Bingham in Coeur d' Alene, ID and moved to Spokane, WA at six months of age.

He graduated Rogers High School in 1960 and attended Gonzaga University before entering the U.S. Navy in 1961. Attending Basic Training in San Diego, CA. He was also stationed at Mare Island (Vallejo, CA), Idaho Falls, ID and Camden, New Jersey.

While in New Jersey he helped build and commission the USS TRUXTUN. On May 27, 1967 they sailed for their new port at Long Beach, CA. In January 1968 the ship headed for Vietnam with a detour to the Sea of Japan after the N. Koreans had taken the USS PUEBLO. He served onboard the USS TRUXTUN until February 1969 when he was released from active duty.

It was during his time in the Navy that he met the love of his life, Claudia. In 1970 the two were married. He stated their love extends through all eternity.  They are the proud parents of three children - Hugh, James, and Katherine.

He attended Spokane Community College, receiving his Journeyman Electrician certificate and worked for the Inland Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), North Franklin School District (NFSD),  and Lamb Weston Connell.

In 1984 the family moved from Spokane to Connell, WA.

It was when working as a maintenance electrician for NFSD in Connell that he rejoined the Navy Advanced Pay Grade (APG) Program as a CE3. He served as a SeaBee and volunteer chaplain to Det 1518 in Pasco, WA. He is a plank owner for the Naval Reserve Center in Richland, WA. 

Petty Officer Bingham (E6) officially retired April 23, 2002 after serving a total of 25 years, 11 months, and 3 days.

He was proud of his service to our country and joined his daughter in attending all the local Veterans Day Programs, dawning his uniform to the delight of the school staff and students. He would also wear his uniform to pay tribute at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery in Connell, and honored the life of area Veterans at funeral services with Project Honor, a volunteer group founded in 1987 by Roy Carriker.

Using his electrical skills, Barry helped to build at least five churches, offered his services to those in need, and gave back at church and within the community.

In his younger years he often sang in the church choir and portrayed Jesus in the Easter play, a role he took very seriously.

Along with his wife, Claudia, the two opened their door and hearts to many who often called them mom and dad and later Grandma and Grandpa.

Barry was a walking miracle after 6.5 hours he returned to life in 2004.

In his later years, as he struggled with cancer, heart disease and Parkinson's, Barry took to reading. He read through the bible at least twice. He inspired those who cared for him.

A quiet natured man, with the exception of his sense of humor, Barry brought a smile to many. He is remembered as a great man, kind, sweet, funny, hero, and a man of God.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vern and Edith (Spokane), and brother Robert (Bob) Bingham (Kennewick).

He leaves behind numerous "adopted" family including the Corona family and brothers Jose and Freddy (Morales).

He is survived by his wife Claudia (54 years); sons Hugh, James; daughter Katherine (Clayton) Trowbridge; Grandchildren: Tetra, Dustin, DJ, Jessica, Taylor, James, Joshua, Zechariah, Jeremiah, Elijah, and Nick; 4 legged grands: LuLu, Chester, Kevin, and Molly; Great Grandson: Damon; Nephew - Timothy Emory Russell;  Sister- Betty Bingham; and many extended family.

A celebration of life is planned for April 19 at 1 pm. - place TBD - [ at New Life Church (420 N. Columbia Ave, Connell, WA).] All are invited to attend. Any Military/ Veterans are encouraged to wear your uniform in honor of Barry. For those who can't attend in person, the church will live stream the service on their Facebook page.