The Rev. John E. Binford

The Rev. John E. Binford died on Sunday, October 4, 2015, at the age of 78. He was born on May 5, 1937, to Thomas John Binford and Mildred Elizabeth Namendorf. He was a grandson of T.A. Binford, longtime sheriff of Harris County.

Binford earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a master’s degree in education from the University of Houston, as well as a master of divinity degree from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. Formerly a public schoolteacher, guidance counselor, and vocation counselor, he held a lifetime Texas state teacher certificate and counseling certificate. Binford was ordained to the deaconate in 1972 and to the priesthood in 1973. He served at St. David's Episcopal Church in Austin, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Houston, and St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Hempstead before becoming rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Houston, where he served until his retirement in 1999.

After his retirement, he served a number of parishes throughout the Diocese of Texas—most recently at St. Luke the Evangelist Episcopal Church, where he was named rector emeritus. During his tenure in the Diocese of Texas, he served on the board of directors at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, St. James House, and St. Vincent's House. Binford was also named the chief ecumenical officer for the Diocese of Texas.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Clara, as well as four daughters, Barbara Hirsch and husband, Terry; Carolyn Warnick and husband, David; Jonelle Grichuk and husband, Henry; and Jennifer Binford and husband, Louis Appel; one brother, William T. Binford, and wife, Norma Jean; grandchildren Rachel, Sarah Ann, Elizabeth, Jessica, Jason, Phillip, Anthony, Emily, Troy, Brynn, Benjamin, and Sarah Bing; six great-grandchildren; one niece; and one nephew.

The memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 9th of October, at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue in Houston, where the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas, is to officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to The Beacon, c/o Christ Church Cathedral in Houston; Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030-4123; or to a charity of your choice.