Earnest David Bingham

Our Lord took Earnest “Ernie” David Bingham home to Him on Friday, April 12, 2019 from the ER at Antelope Valley Hospital at the age of 80 years old. Ernie was born to Evander D. Bingham, Sr. and Lillian (O’Viel) Bingham on May 23, 1938 in Houston, Texas. He was the eldest of three siblings, Evander J. Bingham, Jr., Albert Bingham, Evangeline (Bingham) Fuller, and Donald R. Bingham.

Ernie attended St. Nicholas Catholic School in Houston until high school graduation. Ernie stood out from many of his classmates showing love and respect to everyone no matter where they came from and who they are. He would stand up to his male classmates when he saw disrespect towards their female classmates. His love for service and respect for others and living for what is right, good and just moved him to want to join the military at a very young age. He joined the Air Force in May 28, 1956 right after graduating high school. He became assigned to the Communications Squadron and was able to travel while in the service, including overseas. His favorite tour was to Germany, where he returned to in 1967 with his new bride, Barbara (Flake) Bingham.

While on a 30-day furlough, Ernie had gone back home to Houston to visit his family and to call on Barbara Theresia Flake. They had both gone to the same Catholic school, Barbara being younger but taking notice of how he was towards others wished to join in some of the activities that he and his friends would do. Earnest did not always take to Barbara being a tag-along, however things changed, and they ended up going to the Valentine’s Ball together. He was away in the military for six years before that eventful 30-day furlough where he proposed to Barbara. They married on June 24, 1967 in Houston, Texas. After returning to Germany, he prepared a rented home before sending for his new bride, “my Love”, to accompany him there. She was a devoted wife to him all throughout the rest of his military career, his civilian career and his retirement. They did not have natural children of their own, however they touched many, many young lives, helping them along the way and also being part of a few of their lives by becoming godparents and uncle and aunt to them, lavishing gifts and love and even babysitting their godchild from time to time.

After serving 22 years and 11 months and achieving the rank of MSgt in the Air Force, Ernie retired on May 1, 1979. He went on to continue working in the Communications Squadron as a Communications Supervisor at Edwards AFB, CA. Ernie and Barbara had settled in California City, CA in 1975 where they have remained, and Barbara still resides to this day. Because California City did not have a Catholic church to worship at that time, they started out attending Mass in Boron at St. Joseph Catholic Mission. They then became members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in 1976, where he volunteered and served throughout the rest of his life in various ministries including ushering, altar serving, eucharistic ministry, and lector, to name a few. He soon, after joining Our Lady of Lourdes, became a member of the Knights of Columbus with the Msgr. Baquedano Council #6705, California City, CA. While a member with K of C, Ernie contributed his time and energy to their various fundraisers in order to provide comfort, food, monetary donations and support to those in need. He achieved the position of Fourth Degree with the Msgr. Charles K. Kennedy Assembly 73 in Lancaster, CA. Ernie continued to serve at both the Council in California City and the Assembly in Lancaster, CA as a Grand Knight, Color Corps Commander and finally for the Knights as Marshall for the Center District, which afforded Ernie and Barbara to travel a lot. He loved to show and take “my Love” to new places, especially in the RV trailer they had gotten and used on many special occasions such as their anniversaries in Las Vegas or fundraising events at Valleyermo, CA among many other places. They traveled even more after Ernie retired from Civil Service in 2001. They were inseparable by this time.

Earnest’s service to God, his country, his community and those in need did not stop after he retired from the U.S. government. He served even more. Ernie signed up and worked for the Kern County Election Board at the election site in California City. He loved Our Lady of Lourdes and he was most proud in serving as the Sacristan for his church and for all the priests that have ministered at Our Lady of Lourdes, the latest being Fr. Kris Sorenson. He became Fr. Kris’ right hand man. He loved the Knights of Columbus and everything they stood for. He especially loved all the trainees and young people he helped throughout his life in his personal life, his volunteer life, his civil career and his military career, too numerous to name.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Evander, Sr. and Lillian, his brothers, Evander, Jr. and Albert, his sister, Evangeline. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his brother Donald of Houston, TX, and his nephews Jarmaine and Tremain.

There will be no viewing. Rosary will be at 9:30am May 11, 2019, preceding the 10:00am Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 9970 California City Blvd, California City, CA. Knights of Columbus, Assembly 73 and Full Color Corps will accompany Earnest Bingham at the Mass along with Knights of Columbus, Council 6705. There will be live-streaming of the Mass into Our Lady of Lourdes Hall and onto Facebook and other social media sites for those who will not be able to be present in the church. Communion will also be served to Catholic friends gathered in the Hall. Ernie’s ashes will be laid to rest at the Riverside National Cemetery after the Funeral Mass, at 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518. Full Military Honors will accompany as Ernie is laid to rest. There will be no reception.

Please make donations to Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Memory of Earnest D. Bingham. Please send flowers to Joshua Mortuary at 808 East Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93535. Please send written condolences to Barbara and family c/o Our Lady of Lourdes. Funeral arrangements have been made with Stickel Mortuary of Mojave, CA. They have been a Godsend to Earnest and Barbara. And Barbara thanks and is so very grateful to everyone, who has been a part of or has contributed to Earnest’s life and his journey home to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and Almighty God forever and ever. Amen.