Larry Milo Bingham

Longtime resident of San Juan Capistrano, California, and veteran of the Vietnam War, Larry Bingham passed peacefully to heaven in the early afternoon of Thursday, July 20th, at his daughter’s home in Heber City, UT. He was surrounded by his wife, Kitty, his four children and numerous grandchildren after battling liver cancer mightily for the last year. His unwavering sense of humor, concern for others, and love for all were present all the way to the end. He was a youthful 79 years old at the time of his passing.

Larry Milo Bingham was born on May 26, 1944, in San Diego, California to Milo Parkinson Bingham and Wanda Eileen Bingham. He was the oldest of their three children. While still a young child, the family moved to Anaheim, where he would spend the remainder of his childhood and youth. Larry excelled in athletics and was a star in football, wrestling and track at Magnolia High School. He received a scholarship to play football at the University of Southern California.

In 1963, Larry accepted a call to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in the East Central States Mission where he had the opportunity to serve people throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Upon his honorable return after two years of service, he was set up on a blind date with Kitty (Kathleen Marie) Ibey! Just short of one year later, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple on October 15th, 1966.

In 1967, Larry was drafted into the US Army, and very soon after basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, was deployed to fight in the Vietnam War. He was an effective leader, an unmatched patriot and proud to be a soldier. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was recommended to Officer Candidate School by his superiors. As a result of injuries sustained in battle and for his wartime service, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor.

Larry and Kitty were blessed with four wonderful children. Kim, born in 1969, arrived while Larry was still fighting in Vietnam. Upon receiving the telegram notifying him of her birth, he proceeded to name his artillery pulling truck “Lil’ Kim”. He met her for the first time when she was almost four months old. Michael came nine years later in 1978, Anthony in 1980, and Katie in 1987. Each received his beloved fatherly attention and influence. He was a coach, mentor, #1 fan & friend to each of them!

For many years, Larry worked in the automotive industry in varied roles including parts and car sales and as a financing manager. He later worked as a Security Officer at Disneyland Park and Resort for almost a decade. Despite varied health challenges resulting from his service in Vietnam, Larry was consistently focused on health and well-being, working out at the gym and elsewhere almost every day of his adult life. His friendly demeanor, gregarious attitude and interest in others resulted in him making friends wherever he went. He was a certified scuba diver, fixture each year at the Dana Point Turkey Trot, and affectionately called ‘The Mayor’ at the 24-Hour Fitness where he was an ever-present patron.

Larry was an avid fan of USC and BYU football, the Indianapolis 500 (which he attended in 2007), the Tour de France, and the Angels baseball team. Even more importantly, he was always on the sideline cheering on his four children at their swim meets, football & baseball games, volleyball matches, singing performances, marathon, and Ironman races. He continued that legacy until his final days, as well, for his 19 grandchildren.

Larry’s most important focus was always the love of his life, Kitty. Married for over 56 years, his happiest times in life were by her side enjoying Angels’ baseball games, trips to the beach, Catalina Island, Palm Springs and Yosemite National Park with friends and family. As a young family, they purchased a home in Laguna Hills and lived there until 1983 when they moved to San Juan Capistrano.

In the 1990’s, Larry served as president of the SJC Little League, and most recently, as the president of his HOA for the last 7 years. In addition to his missionary service as a young adult, Larry served in numerous callings in the congregations that he attended throughout his life. His lasting legacy to all he accomplished upon this earth is his faithful following of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his service to others as His disciple.

Larry is survived by his wife, Kitty; his children Kim (Ken) Davis, Michael (Amanda), Anthony (Desirae), and Katie (Jeremy); his 19 grandchildren – McKenna, Brooke, Grace, Emma, Faith, Spencer, Hayden, Savannah, Hank, Kylie, Sophia, Kalea, Joey, Ricky, Samuel, Lorenzo, Isabella, Leilani and Angioletta; his brother, Jim (Lynette) and sister, Louana (Craig) Dean; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service for Larry will be held at 15:00 (3:00 PM) on Saturday, July 29th, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 29273 Stallion Ridge, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. All who knew Larry are invited to attend.