Louise G. Bingaman's Obituary
Louise G. Bingaman, age 89, of Fort Smith, AR, passed from this life on Monday, January 2, 2023. She was born July 29, 1933, in Denver Colorado, the daughter of the late Harry Golf and Dorothy Brown Golf. Also preceding her in death was her sister, Helen Golf.
Louise attended South High School in Denver, CO., where she was a concert violinist for the Denver Junior Symphony. She married her beloved high school sweetheart, Donald Dean Bingaman, on Christmas Eve of 1951, just before he entered the Air Force and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Once back in the states, they lived in Biloxi, MS, Wichita Falls, TX, Amarillo, TX, Sherman, TX, and, in 1972, they moved to Fort Smith, AR, while Don transitioned from the Air Force into the Federal Aviation Administration. Louise and Don celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary 12/24/22.
With her bright intellect and sharp wit, Louise worked as a Legal Assistant as they started their family. In Fort Smith, while raising her two sons, Louise was a real estate broker with the Ernest Westfall Agency for many years. Not one to mince words, yet able to be masterfully diplomatic, Louise filled her home with love, hospitality, and adventure. She loved to read, cook, sew, camp, boat, and cheer on the Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys. She cherished family camping trips and regular trips to their lake house at Lake Ouachita, AR. “The family that plays together, stays together”, was one of her favorite sayings, and they did just that.
Louise loved Colorado and New Mexico, with a special fondness for the southwest landscape and culture of the Santa Fe, Taos, and Tres Ritos areas of New Mexico. She loved her many friends throughout her life. Most of all, she loved her family with her whole heart, and was most proud of her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Dean Bingaman; her sons, Donald David Bingaman (Alice) and James H. Bingaman (Lacey); six grandchildren, David, Daniel, Jennie Hayes, Ellen Leigh, Mary Lou, and Natalie, as well as two great-grandchildren, Asher and Oliver.
Louise recently made the comment that Don and she were embarking on yet another new adventure together, and together their love for each other was always shown. Following a private memorial service, her remains will be scattered in loving memory under her favorite Aspen trees in the high mountains of New Mexico. To God be the glory in all things, and may there be a peace and comfort that surpasses all understanding to all her family and friends. “My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” John 10: 27-28.
Memorial donations can be made to the Sebastian County Humane Society.
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