Russell "Chris" Bingley

Russell "Chris" Bingley, of Cody, Wyoming, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Saturday,

August 2, 2025 at West Park Hospital in Cody with his devoted wife of 60 years, Mary, by his

side.

Chris was born on June 24, 1934 in Los Fresnos, Texas to Hattie Vay Koebel Bingley and

Russell Bingley Sr. Along with his two older sisters, he spent his childhood in various towns

across south Texas working on the family farms and cotton gin. Eventually his family settled in

San Benito, 30 miles west of the Gulf of Mexico, where he developed a love for the ocean,

seafaring, and light houses.

Chris graduated from San Benito Highschool in 1952, and then attended the University of Texas

at Austin. While there, he participated in the university's ROTC program. After 3 years of

school, he put his education on hold to enlist in the United States Navy. After serving for 4

years, he returned to the University of Texas to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in

Geology.

Upon graduating, he worked for the State of California while pursuing his Master's degree in

geology at California State University, San Jose. He stopped short of completing his program

when he was offered a position as a geologist in the department of Geology and Soils for the

City of Los Angeles. Shortly after moving to LA, he became a registered geologist and later

earned his certification in engineering geology. After 21 years in Los Angeles, Chris and his

wife, Mary, accepted job positions in northern California. They lived in Chico for eleven years

before retiring and moving back to southern California to be closer to their children and

granddaughters. In 2006, when their daughter and son-in-law moved to Cody, Wyoming, Chris

and Mary bought a house and joined them a few months later.

Chris met Mary Hatfield in 1962 in San Jose while they were washing dishes together following

a church social, and they married on January 30,1965. They first established their home in

northern California where they welcomed their daughter, Carolyn, in 1968, and then moved to

southern California in 1969 where their son, David, was born.

Chris was a loving and thoughtful husband. He always remembered anniversaries and was

intentional in planning date nights and regular weekend getaways with Mary. He was also a

present, nurturing, and caring father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. He

made sure that he carved out time to spend with each of them individually - going to dinner, a

movie, play, museum, miniature golf, etc. He also made it a priority to attend their concerts,

recitals, sports events, and school activities. When his children were young, he loved to plan fun

and meaningful family vacations which they frequently took in their 1975 Dodge camper van. He

is also fondly remembered for creating a sense of safety and peace by reading stories and

singing cowboy, American folk, and seafaring songs to his children and grandchildren at night

before bed.

Chris was a man of many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed traveling and visited many places

across the United States with his family in addition to exploring several foreign countries with

Mary. Chris held a private pilot's license for a period of time, and was also a Ham radio operator.

For many years Chris enjoyed cruising the Pacific Ocean and various lakes in California with his

family in the 18 foot wooden cabin boat he had built with his uncle and father in 1950. He and

his son-in-law, Brian, had just completed the process of restoring that boat when Chris passed

away.

Chris was a people person who was known for his thoughtfulness, friendliness, generosity, and

hospitality. He loved spending time with friends and family, especially his children,

grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an avid reader and had a particular interest in

history. Because of his Texas roots, he carried a strong affection for cowboys and the American

west. He had a wealth of knowledge and enjoyed talking about a variety of subjects.

Over the years, Chris was involved with Bible Study Fellowship, The American Legion, local

historical societies, US Power Squadron, Park County GOP, Jubilee Inner-Town Ministries, First

Presbyterian Church of Cody, The Cody Kut 'n' Capers Square Dance Club, among many

others.

Chris was a man of strong faith and conviction. Above everything else, he cherished his Savior.

In his final days, he was surrounded by his family and friends. He gave assurance to all who

visited him that he was not afraid to die because he knew where he was going. Chris loved

Jesus and was at peace knowing that he would soon be safely in His arms. Chris was deeply

loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, son, David Bingley, daughter, Carolyn Bingley

Andrews (Brian), granddaughters Grace Andrews Epley (Jacob), Hannah Andrews Girdeen

(Matthew), and Isabella Andrews, his great granddaughters Israel and Sonnet Epley, and many

nieces and nephews. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Hattie Bingley,

and his sisters, Charlotte Whalen and Dorothy McBroom.

The family wishes to thank the hospital staff, family, friends, and the First Presbyterian Church

of Cody for their care and support.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00, Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Ballard Funeral

Home, 636 19th St, Cody, WY 82414. A light reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers,

the family requests donations be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Cody or Jubilee

Inner-Town Ministries in Chris's memory.