Phillip "Mike" Bingaman

Phillip “Mike” Bingaman, 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday April 21, 2018 at Methodist Hospital after a courageous battle with blood cancer. Mike was born January 26, 1948 to William and Harriet (Simmons) Bingaman in Des Moines.

Mike met his high school sweetheart, Kathie, in 1964 and they were married January 18, 1969. He joined the Army in 1967 and served in the Vietnam War from January 1968 to January 1969. Mike finished his tour of duty in Aberdeen, Maryland. He was very proud to have served his country during this difficult era and always responded to those who thanked him with a grateful “My Honor, My Duty”. He continued his ongoing support of our military and soldiers as an active member of the Bondurant American Legion Post 396.

After his service in 1970, Mike and Kathie returned to Iowa and made their home in Altoona since 1971 where they raised their two daughters. He retired as a route salesman/driver for Robert’s Dairy after 32 years of service and after retirement, he worked part-time in the Building and Grounds Department for SE Polk Schools.

Mike was a member of Ss. John & Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Teamsters. He participated in many bowling leagues over the years and enjoyed fishing, camping, and restoring his 1955 Chevy. Mike was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s many events.

Mike had a great sense of humor, a beautiful singing voice, and an art for story-telling and jokes. Many knew he was nearby when they heard him whistling a tune. He will be missed greatly by all those who knew him.

Mike is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathie; daughters, Echo Michelle (Dan) Dooley and Nikki (Troy) Barkhaus; grandchildren, Tyler (Angie) Phares, Bailey (Bryce) Swearngin, Whitney Herr, Brandon Phares, Mason Barkhaus, and Dyce Barkhaus; great-grandsons, Lincoln and Jameson; mother, Harriet Bingaman; sister, Pat (Chuck) Lee; brothers, Randy Bingaman, Tim (Billie) Bingaman, Rick (Kim) Bingaman, and Todd Bingaman; mother-in-law, Phyllis Wininger; and a host of other family and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Bingaman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday April 26, 2018 at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Ave S, Altoona, with burial to follow at 2 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday with a vigil service at 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to Ss John and Paul Catholic Church Building Fund in memory of Mike.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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