Otis C. Bingham

Obituary Mr. Otis Carmen Bingham was born in Festus, Missouri to Samuel Bingham and Francis Clay Bingham. The celebration of his life started on Monday, February, 20, 1928. He was the last of six (6) children. In other words he was the “Baby”. Mr. Bingham was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Frank, Elmer, Clarence, and Simon; two (2) sisters, Gearle Whitmore and Dr. Alice C. Bingham. His loving wife of thirty-six (36) years, Barbara J. Grayson-Bingham who passed December 18, 1988 and his grandson, Brandon D. Bingham, who he lovingly called “HeartBoy”, who passed away January 19, 2006. Besides other relatives who have passed on, a very special cousin Mr. Virgil Culton also preceded him in death. Mr. Bingham received his elementary education in Festus, MO. He applied and was accepted at Lincoln University; however, due to his failing vision (Night Blindness) he was unable to complete his college education. Mr. Bingham’s father passed away when he was two (2) years old. Naturally, this left a great void in the family. This was a time during the “Great Depression”, so Mr. Bingham was left in the care of his mother and his older sister, Alice. Mr. Bingham and his mother eventually moved to Kansas City and connected with Mother Sadie Holliwell. Mr. Bingham helped to care for his mother, who eventually passed in 1952. Mr. Bingham became a member of the Apostolic/Pentecostal faith by being baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost. He was a member of Christ Temple Pentecostal Church under the leadership of Bishop Walter A. Scott. He remained a faithful member of Christ Temple (now Victorious Life) under the leadership of Bishop Lee A. Tolbert and Bishop Mark C. Tolbert for over sixty (60) years. During the time the church was at 4101 Agnes, KCMO, he was a member of the Adult Choir and he loved to beat the tambourine. Although Bro. Bingham was blind, when the Holy Ghost fell on him, he would run down that isle and run right back to his seat. He never missed his seat! That was always pretty amazing to us as kids. Mr. Bingham worked at Hyde Park Laundry on 31st & Gilliam for over nineteen (19) years as a “Washman”. He retired in 1969. Although it was a struggle for him, he worked there because he had a family to take care of and he did the best he could. Hyde Park Laundry closed soon after that. Mr. Bingham was also attending the Pentecostal Church of the Apostolic Faith in Leavenworth, KS. He was living with the Julius Goodwin family and that is when he met his beloved Barbara Grayson. So as the story goes, according to Barbara…they dated for a little bit, and then her cousin told her, “Otis is going to ask you to marry him”. She said, I think he will to…. and he did…and ninety (90) days after they met, on October 17, 1952, they were married in Plattsburg, MO at Davis Temple #2, by Bishop Herbert Davis. Mr. Huey Standifer was his best friend and served as Mr. Bingham’s best man. They made their home in Kansas City, MO. To this union four (4) children were born: Darrell, Karyn, Dwight, and D-Saen. Mr. Bingham was very well known as the person to call if you wanted to know when someone died. He could recall the exact date, no matter how long ago it was. We always thought, maybe because it was because he was visually impaired, his recall was so good. We couldnever figure out why he saved all those funeral programs, because he could recall the dates. He (and his sister Gearle) was also the church 411 directory. Any phone number you needed you could call Mr. Bingham or his sister. His mind was sharp up until it seems the end. He wanted to go home. He told the nurses, “I want to go home to my bed, and if you don’t let me, I will be very argumentative”, and he did just that. He had ears that could hear a pin drop. As kids we learned very early to whisper, because “Daddy” could hear everything. Our friends also learned that early on as well. They would say, “Mr. Bingham sure can hear good and we think he can see”. During his last days, while in the hospital, his mind was still sharp, although his body was failing. People had to be reminded to talk soft so he couldn’t hear what all was going on. Amazing as it sounds, Mr. Bingham was the neighborhood watch person. After we moved to the address on Olive in 1969, he liked to sit on the porch. Since most people didn’t know he was visually impaired, it worked out great for a long time. Mr. Bingham always felt safe sitting on the porch. People in the neighborhood respected him and looked out for him. Our family owes a debt of gratitude and thanks to Mr. Robert Bush who always looked out for “Mr. Bingham”. Mr. Bingham loved sweets!!! He was especially fond of his daughters Orange Coconut Cake. Mr. Bingham transitioned peacefully in his sleep to eternal glory on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at St. Luke’s Hospice. This is the exact date as his beloved wife, thirty (30) years later. Barbara also made her transition at St. Luke’s Hospital. Children: Darrell K. Bingham (Eunice), Karyn, Dwight, D-Saen (Andrea). A loving and devoted grandson and caregiver, Deaundre R. Booker (Monica). Grandchildren: Jason Graham, Anthony Bingham, Barbara Michelle Bingham, Shaunte, Damond and Debanique Lanham, Shavonica, Simuel, Danyela, Savannah, Jaselle and Donte Bingham. Nineteen great-grand children; one nephew, Dr. Dewain Whitmore, Sr. and a very special cousin, Betty Jean Culton. Special friends: Terry L. Rodgers, Jeanette M. Gibson and Carrie Turner. Caregivers; Debra Wells and Debra Garner, and a host other family and friends. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 28, 2018 at New Bethel Church 745 Walker KCK 66101. Interment Mt. Washington Cemetery To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Otis C. Bingham, please visit our floral store. Read More

Otis C. Bingham

February 20, 1928 - December 18, 2018