Glenn Wallace Binder

Glenn Wallace Binder, was a man of integrity; an honorable man. He passed away peacefully at home on October 5th, 2016 at the age of 96. 

He was born on March 10, 1920 in Table Rock, Nebraska to Charles Jacob Binder and Violet Mary (Branek) Binder. His early years were defined by a steadfast Christian family life, and the principle of working together on the home farm to raise livestock and grain. Glenn was baptized in the Table Rock United Methodist Church on September 9, 1923, and confirmed on Easter Sunday, April 21,1935. 

He attended elementary and high school in Table Rock, graduating in 1937. He spoke of rising early to do chores before walking the the mile and a half to the red brick building in town. Following his lifelong aptitude for bookkeeping, his education continued as he attended the Lincoln School of Commerce and boarded at the YMCA. Upon the completion of his course of study, he worked for a short time at a bank in Lincoln; then took a Civil Service position at Fort Crook in Omaha. The next chapter of his life unfolded as he felt compelled to volunteer for military service and entered the Army Air Corp on his twenty-third birthday in 1943. 

Glenn was a gentle soul, and for many years did not discuss the details of his war experiences. After training as a pilot, he flew a total of forty-seven missions, including the devastating low level bombing raid on the Ploesti oil refinery. He spoke of committing himself again to the Lord that morning. In 1946 he returned home to his farm one mile west of Pawnee City, purchased with his military wages. 

On April 14, 1949, Glenn married his neighbor, Leah Bernice Avery. Ever a craftsman, he constructed walnut furniture for their first home. As their family grew to include two children, they planned and built a new house and a life together for thirty- two years. Glenn continued to utilize his unique talents to expand and manage his grain and livestock operation, as well as continuing his life long commitment to the Methodist Church. Later in his life, Glenn married Laura Gray and they continued mission work together. 

During his lifetime, he was dedicated to the concept of strengthening educational opportunities. Glenn proudly served fourteen years on the Pawnee City School Board, and twenty-three years on the Educational Service Unit No.4 Board. He recently celebrated his seventieth year anniversary as a member of the Masonic Lodge. Glenn spent his life looking inward to his faith, and outward to serving others. 

Glenn was preceded in death by wife Leah Bernice (Avery) Binder, father Charles Jacob Binder, mother Violet Mary (Branek) Binder, infant sister Ruth Aline, brothers Charles, Joseph and Leland Binder

 He is survived by children Kevin (Sherri) Binder of Elkhorn and Karin (Bruce) Droge of Pawnee City, grandchildren: Blake (Gina) Binder, Brady Binder of Elkhorn, Leah Droge (Chad Petska) of Lincoln, Jed (Sarah) Droge of Tecumseh and Colin Droge of Pawnee City, great-grandchildren: Henry (Hank) Binder, Mack Binder, Everest Droge and Theo Droge. 

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Monday, October 10, 2016 Pawnee City United Methodist Church with Pastor Sherry Sklenar officiating. Visitation: Sunday, October 9, 2016 from Noon-8:30 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:30-8:30 at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street,Pawnee City, Nebraska. Masonic Rites provided by Pawnee City Lodge #23 A.F.& A.M.  Interment:  Pawnee City Cemetery, with full military rites provided by Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard and Pawnee City VFW Post #5289.  Memorials to the Pawnee City United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.  

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