Ernie J Bingham

Ernie J. Bingham, 88, our beloved father and grandfather died Sunday, October 21, 2012 of causes incident to age. Ernie resided at the Glenwood Care Center in Oxnard, CA. at the time of his death. He was born December 14, 1923 and raised in Ogden. He was the youngest son of William Carl and Bessie Wecker Bingham. Ernie was an avid basketball and baseball player throughout his youth and carried into his adulthood. He excelled throughout his life in leadership positions. He was elected Senior Class President and was a proud graduate of Ogden High School Class of 1942. Ernie attended and was Student Body President at Weber College in 1946-47 before continuing his education at the University of Utah. Ernie found a passion in sales and prided himself as being a top salesman for Friden Calculators and Packaging Corp of America. He then moved to California to work with his sons. Following high school graduation, Ernie enlisted in the Naval Aviation Corp receiving his commission in February 1943. He was trained as a pilot and flew torpedo bombers (TBM's) off aircraft carriers in the Pacific as part of Torpedo Squadron 15. He likened flying TBm's to that of flying a bathtub. Ernie earned the Navy "Wings of Gold." He served as Cadet Commander of the 33rd Battalion at the St. Mary's Pre-flight Academy in Oakland, CA. Ernie married Donna Mae Wilkinson, also of Ogden, on October 14, 1946. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Between them they raised five loving children: Lynda (Marvin) Chynoweth (FL.), Sheri (Spencer) Stark (UT.), Barbara (Polo) Afuvai (UT.), Craig (Anna) Bingham (FL.) and Ernie Bingham Jr. (CA.) all surviving. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents, and siblings: Ron, Virginia, Marvin, Barbara, and Walt. Donna having died far too soon following a valiant fight with cancer died on March 22, 1975. As a result, Ernie wanted his body donated to science as his way of helping to find a cure. His wishes where upheld. The family would like to extend a warm heartfelt expression of gratitude to Ernie Jr. and his son Sean for providing care and companionship to our dad over the years. Ernie and Donna's posterity continues to grow being grandparents of 18 and great grandparents to 36. The family will hold a private service to honor our father. Please send us your condolences and a memory at www.leavittsmortuary.com