Gary Bingham

Gary Paul Bingham, a dedicated physician, humble servant, compassionate friend, and generous soul, has departed from this world on March 5, 2025. Born on August 15, 1933, in Ogden, Utah, Gary spent a rich and fulfilling life extending from his birthplace in Utah to California, Brazil, Colorado, and finally back to Utah, where he resided in Eden.

Gary remembered his earliest years in Ogden, fishing and playing along the Weber River, and living close to many relatives on both sides of the family. He talked about the five-and-dime stores on Grant Avenue with their soda fountains and side-by-side double-scoop ice cream cones, and horse-drawn wagons that delivered blocks of ice. He also remembered planting a walnut seedling in the backyard of his German born Grandpa, Emil Dehn, who lived on Childs Avenue. Gary was only 4 or 5 years old at the time. Many years later, the old neighborhood on Childs Avenue was demolished, but that tree still stands, now 85 feet tall, as a living monument. In recent years it has been identified as the largest and oldest living English Walnut tree in the state of Utah.

Gary's parents moved from Ogden to southern California when he was about 6 years old. Gary had a younger brother, Kent, and a younger sister, Janice. He
attended elementary school through college in Long Beach. Upon graduating, Gary served 4 years in the army where he attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and also became an expert marksman.

He married his sweetheart, Judith Annette State on January 27th, 1955 in the St. George Temple. Their first home was in Long Beach. Judy taught school while Gary attended medical school at Long Beach Osteopathic College. They moved to Tulare, California in 1961, where Gary began his medical career as a resident at Tulare County Hospital. Tulare remained their home for many years, and their five children grew up there.

Gary was a multi-faceted individual with a wide array of interests that shifted throughout his life, but his dedication and passion for each pursuit never wavered. As a young man, he had been intrigued by reptiles and memorized the scientific names of many different snakes and lizards. He rebuilt an engine at just 15, exhibiting his thirst for knowledge and hands-on approach from an early age. His love for gardening was lifelong and his vegetable gardens were a testament to his labor of love, producing an abundance of crops that he generously shared with neighbors and friends. His culinary skills were unparalleled, with family favorites being his sweet and sour pork. chop suey, fried rice, and enchiladas. Gary also became an accomplished oil painter, and a licensed pilot. For several years he enjoyed wood-working and carpentry. He later developed an interest in photography. He loved languages and studied Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese just for fun. He worked hard at every pursuit and had incredible energy. For several years he raised Japanese Koi and spent many hours digging large fish ponds by hand. He would often work a full day at the medical clinic then come home and work in his vegetable garden for several hours.

Gary’s professional life as a physician mirrored his personal life in dedication and humility. Although he was a general practitioner, he was recognized for his surgical skills, and was often invited by surgeons to assist with various procedures. His kindness and politeness made him a beloved figure among his patients, even going the extra mile to transport them to the hospital when house calls were becoming a rarity.

After retiring from his medical career, Gary and Judy served a 2 year mission to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where Gary cared for the medical needs of those in the Mission Home.

Gary collected seeds of all kinds. He loved butterflies and bees and other pollinators. His later years were spent planting seeds and growing a variety of plants to provide a habitat for little critters.

His commitment to his faith was unyielding. As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as a Bishop, High Councilor, temple worker, and temple sealer. His faith was manifested in his love for his wife, family, and his Savior, Jesus Christ. Gary's devotion to his faith was a guiding light throughout his life.

We invite all who knew Gary Bingham to celebrate his life by sharing memories and photos on the memorial page. Let us remember him not just for his accomplishments, but for his humble spirit, compassionate heart, and the generous life he lived. His legacy lives on in each life he touched.

Gary is survived by his sister, Janice Croson, daughters Julie Gudmundsen, Leslie Perry (Butch), Shelley Morrell, and Kathleen Hayes (Greg), daughter-in law Cathy Amero (Gary) and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gary and Judy had many additional loved ones who were considered family, including exchange student Junko Matsui Tokai, Tammy and Steve Winkel and their family, and many dear friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Bingham and Wanda Dehn Bingham, his brother Kent, his beloved wife, Judy, his son, Douglas and infant daughter Stacey.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Ogden City Cemetery, 20th and Madison Avenue, Ogden, Utah, memorial services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Wolf Creek Ward, 2900 North Hwy 162, Eden, Utah 84310.