Fred Rich Bingham

It is with tender hearts that we share the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Fred Rich Bingham. He left this earthly life on July 19, 2024 in Smithfield, Utah to return to his beloved Savior Jesus Christ. Fred was born on May 2, 1925 to Heber Raymond and Emma Rich Bingham on the Linrose farm his father homesteaded. As the eighth of twelve children, he had ready-made playmates. His childhood, while not abundant in earthly treasures, was rich in love from family and friends. 

Fred attended first through eighth grade in Linrose prior to enrolling at Preston High School where he participated in band and opera and graduated in 1943. During World War II he worked the family farm prior to enlisting because farming was considered an essential service and because his older brothers were already serving. Once in the Navy, he trained as a gunner, radioman, and navigator on carrier-based fighter planes. Thankfully the war ended, and he completed his service state-side. Following the war, Fred faithfully completed two years in the Texas-Louisiana Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Abilene, Amarillo, San Angelo, and Fort Stockton.

It was at Brigham Young University that Fred met and courted his eternal sweetheart, Ruth Morris, the sister of one of his missionary companions. They married September 1, 1950 in the Logan LDS Temple and settled in Linrose where Fred farmed with his father. In 1957 he and his brother Carl purchased the family farm, which they operated and expanded to a Grade A dairy over the next several decades. It was here that Fred and Ruth raised their seven children.

Fred enjoyed many friendships throughout the community during the many years he served on the Franklin County Fair Board. He also shared his wonderful baritone voice singing in several local groups, including the Rotary Club Chorus; their Christmas concerts were a joy to him. A dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fred served wherever called, including as ward organist, YMMIA Superintendent, ward and stake clerk, and high counselor. He relished the 19 years he served with Ruth as officiators in the Logan Temple. That service was briefly interrupted as they served together in the Canada Halifax Mission, loving the people of the maritime provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. He set the ultimate example of Christlike love as he tenderly cared for Ruth for seven years prior to her passing in 2016, the 66th year of their eternal marriage.

Fred spent most of his remaining years independently in his dear home. He read voraciously and indexed over 100,000 entries for Family Search. He never failed to express either his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ or his love for his family, who each know he cherished them.

Fred is survived by his children Julie (Al) Shiffler, Rexburg, ID; Ann Bingham, Idaho Falls, ID; Lorraine (Royce) Christensen, Mink Creek, ID; Barry (Deon) Bingham, Smithfield, UT; Carol (Bill) Wrigley, Smithfield, UT; Stephen (Shanna) Bingham, West Valley, UT; and Layne (Carol) Bingham, St. George, UT, 32 grandchildren, 79 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren, and his siblings Vera B. O’Brien, Carl W. Bingham, and Gladys B. Allred. The family extends a special thank you for the wonderful care at Birch Creek Assisted Living and Community Nursing Services Hospice.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Linrose Ward, in Dayton, Idaho. Family will receive friends on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday August 3, 2024 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. both at the Linrose Ward, 825 North Westside Highway, Dayton, Idaho. Interment with military honors will be in the Dayton Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

The services will be streamed live and may be watched Saturday at 11:00 a.m. (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/vt-ERh5ZJ0I?feature=share