Henry "Al" Alson Binkley Jr.

Al was born at his parents farmhouse in Wheatridge, Colorado, a semi-rural area west of Denver incorporated in 1969. He helped his parents work the farm through the Great Depression and World War II and later attended Wheatridge High School – home of the Farmers, as had his father. Graduating with the immortal ‘49ers, Al maintained closed friendships with his school chums and attended their reunions, weddings, and later memorials throughout his life. Al’s friends valued his sense of humor, sociability, and laid back personality. He was never one to complain.

Al was a natural athlete. He competed with the Farmer track and “matman” teams, weighing in at 145 pounds. Later, Al enrolled at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, where he continued to excel at wrestling, but found his true love in football. Al played with A & M from 1949 to 1953 and graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Physical Education.

At CSU, Al also participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. In June 1954, he entered onto active duty at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, attended Supply Officer Course at Warren AFB, Wyoming, and separated from active service in May 1957 with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Al continued with the Air Force Reserve and completed his service as a captain in 1966. His most significant assignment was with the 7532d Air Materiel Squadron, part of US Air Forces in Europe, located at RAF South Ruislip near London, England. His most significant job, however, was football - Al helped the US Air Force win the 1955 UK and USAFE football championships! Before departing Great Britain, he purchased a 1957 Austin Healy that he shipped to New York and drove back to Colorado. The vehicle was not well suited to a mountain climate or family life, but he cherished its memory.

In September 1958, Al married Joan “Jody” Vivian Lohse, a stunning Frontier Airlines flight attendant, air crash survivor, and budding artist. They moved into a new home on Tabor Drive in Applewood near Golden, Colorado, and together raised three children – Cameron, Brock, and Clay, all of whom went on to become third-generation Farmers.

Al tried his hand at a number of professions, including meat processing, real estate development, and moving industry sales. He retired from the latter and probably enjoyed it the most in giving him ample opportunity to meet new people. With an empty nest Al and Jody moved to Lakewood Hills, near Green Mountain, Colorado, in 1991. Jody passed in 1999 while Al suffered a crippling stroke following sister Alice’s death late in 2007. Despite being wheelchair-bound, Al maintained a cheerful disposition. With the aid of his sons, devoted caregiver Gisela Heath, and faithful companion Pugsley, Al overcame challenge to enjoy living out his remaining years in his own home. He declined quickly in late 2020 after becoming a victim of the Corona Virus pandemic.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on May 15, 2021, at Rockland Community Church, 17 S. Mt. Vernon Country Club Rd., Golden, CO. All Corona Virus precautions will be followed as required.

In lieu of flowers, Al would appreciate donations to the A. M. Binkley Memorial Scholarship Endowment. Arrangements may be made by calling toll-free (866) CSU-GIVE (278-4483).