Jerald 'Jerry' E. Binkley

Jerald E. Jerry Binkley, 82, of Ridge Farm, passed away at 9:12pm, Thursday, June 19, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on April 29, 1932, in Ridge Farm, the son of Horace and Maude {Baldwin} Binkley, both deceased. On December 15, 1952, in Vermilion Grove, he was united in marriage to Shirley Anne Mills, who will miss him dearly. He will also be missed by: his son, Jeff (Susan) Binkley of Houghton, MI; his daughters, Annette (Bret) Heim of Mobile, AL, & Amy (Loch) Chandler of Scappoose, OR; his grandchildren, Adam Watkins Heim, Emma Louise Binkley, Sylvia Lee Binkley, Tavish Mills Chandler, & Maizri Sophia Chandler; his brother, Bob Binkley of Georgetown; and his sister, Peggy Binkley of Ridge Farm. He was preceded in death by his sons, Steven & Jerry Carl. Jerry grew up in Ridge Farm and attended Ridge Farm schools. He then continued his education at Illinois State University and the University of Illinois where he completed his Masters Degree in Education and Agriculture. He served in the US Army as a Company Clerk in Bordeaux, France during the Korean Conflict. Jerrys first teaching assignment was in Kinmundy, IL, where he taught at Kinmundy High School and also taught returning US Veterans. In 1966, he returned to Ridge Farm and served as a professor at Danville Area Community College, Chair of the Agriculture Department and as a Counselor until his retirement. He continued to farm. Jerry was a member of the Vermilion Grove Friends Meeting and served on many boards, including the Ridge Farm School Board & Vermilion County Conservation Board. He enjoyed family gatherings in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on the Gulf Coast in Mobile, AL, and in the Pacific Northwest. He truly loved his family and will be missed by those who love him. A celebration of Jerrys life will be held at 11:00am, Monday, June 23, 2014, at Vermilion Grove Friends Meeting with Pastor Richard Cook officiating assisted by Clerks of the Meeting, Joyce Hollingsworth & Randy Gardner. Visitation will be 3pm-6pm, Sunday, June 22, 2014, at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown. He will be laid to rest in Vermilion Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in Jerrys name to Ridge Farm Alumni Association and Vermilion Grove Friends Meeting.