Alois Joseph "Butz" Binder Jr.

1929 - 2020

Alois ""Butz"" Joseph Binder, Jr., a retired General Manager of Alois J. Binder Bakery, passed away of natural causes at his home on August 30, 2020. He was 91. His final days were spent surrounded by his family who were so important to him. He was born on July 22, 1929 and was a native of New Orleans. Since Hurricane Katrina he was a resident of Metairie, Louisiana. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rita May Stouff Binder; his parents, Alois Joseph Binder, Sr. and Eola Ann Clement Binder; his brothers Joseph ""Joe D"" Binder and Noel J. Binder; and his son-in-law Kenneth C. Lincoln. Survivors include his children: Pamela ""Pam"" Binder Lincoln, Janice ""Jan"" Binder Von Hoven (Frank) and Dr. A. ""Jay"" Binder, III (Dee); his grandchildren: Cory T. James (Amanda), Kristen M. James, Kelsey M. Binder and Andrew J. Binder; step-grandson Frank P. Von Hoven, III (Camille); his great-granddaughter Addison L. James; his sisters: Eola ""Ann"" B. Veillion, Mary B. Walters and Juanita ""Nita"" B. Larrieu; his brother Richard J. Binder; and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, godchildren and cousins. He was a graduate of Annunciation Grammar School and St. Aloysius High School. He attended Loyola School of Music and earned a degree from Soule' Business College. As a young boy, Butz learned the trade of baking bread at Joseph H. Binder Bakery, the family business, from his father and uncles. This tradition continued when in 1971 his parents opened Alois J. Binder Bakery on Frenchmen Street. Upon his father's death, Butz became the General Manager and served in that capacity until his retirement. He dedicated his life to his family's bakeries for nearly 75 years. Butz's strong will and determination to satisfy his customers' needs led him to personally bake and deliver French bread during Mardi Gras parades in downtown New Orleans and surrounding areas. His family delivered Binder's hot New Orleans style French bread to hotels, restaurants, groceries, homes and to their retail stores. Binder's was known as ""The Happy Baker with the Flashing Light."" In addition to French bread, many of Binder's favorites included jelly and twisted glazed doughnuts, puddin cakes (sinkers), cinnamon rolls, shoe soles, Russian cakes and patty shells for the holidays. Major Binder's military career began in 1950 with the 527th Artillery Battalion of the Louisiana Army National Guard (LANG). He then served in the 141st Field Artillery Battalion and was Commander of Battery B. In 1962, he was awarded the Eisenhower Trophy as the Battery B Commander of the 141st Artillery. Battery B received the trophy as the most outstanding unit in the Louisiana Army National Guard. Later, in his military career he served in the LANG 2222nd Engineering Battalion. Major Binder retired in 1974 after serving 24 years. For over 30 years, Butz was an active member and twice a past president of the Third District Kiwanis Club. He served as past president, vice president, treasurer and board member for many years of the Deep South Retail Bakers Association. He was also an active associate member in the Louisiana Restaurant Association. He was a perpetual member of the Washington Artillery Veterans' Association (WAVA) and the US Field Artillery Association. He received the honorary St. Barbara Award for distinguished service to the Washington Artillery. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 203 and was also a member of the Jackson Barracks Officer's Club. He was a charter officer of the Krewe of Pegasus. He had a lifelong appreciation for opera music which lead him to become a member of the City of New Orleans Opera Chorus. For many years, he was a member of the St. Maria Goretti Church Choir. For nearly 40 years, he and his wife were devoted season ticket holders of the New Orleans Saints. He was an avid fisherman and could be found fishing in Bayou Bienvenue and Cocodrie. He loved woodworking and refurbished his wooden fishing boats. The family would like to express their gratitude to his many caregivers. A special thanks to his granddaughter, Kristen M. James, who cared for her beloved grandfather for his last 5 years. The family also wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to his many long-term doctors, nurses, and numerous healthcare professionals. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life and Mass of Christian Burial at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 4921 West Metairie Avenue, Metairie, LA 70001 on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 12:00 Noon with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. until Mass. Mask and social distancing are required. For those not able to attend the Mass will be live-streamed and can be view at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowsmMPdDgkogndnNsMlwbw/featured Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery – Garden Mausoleum, New Orleans, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers masses or donations to: Washington Artillery Veterans' Association (WAVA), 6400 St. Claude Ave., Jackson Barracks, Box 12, New Orleans, LA 70117 or Kiwanis Club of Third District Foundation, 325 Riverwood Drive, St. Rose, LA 70087 or Brother Martin High School, 4401 Elysian Fields Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122. Arrangements by Jacob Schoen & Son, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. To view the family guestbook, please go to www.schoenfh.com.