Walter G. Binger

Walter Gene Binger, 95, of Vickery, Ohio, passed away on August 29, 2026 at The Willows in Bellevue, Ohio surrounded by his loving family. Walter was born in Fremont, Ohio on November 9, 1930 to Martin Herbert Binger and Mary Margaret Magdaline (Nageleisen) Binger. He attended Townsend School where, in 1948, he and his future wife, Evelyn (Meggitt) Binger, were among the eleven graduates in the class. After high school, Walter worked at the Philco factory in Sandusky before joining the United States Army, serving in Korea from 1952 to 1954. He was a proud member of the Clyde VFW Post 3343. Upon his return, Walter and Evelyn were married on April 30th, 1955, honeymooning in Niagara Falls in their mint green ‘55 Chevy. In 2026, they celebrated 71 blessed years of marriage. Together, they had four children, 10 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

Carrying on in his father’s footsteps, Walter attended Toledo Barber College and barbered in Vickery and Sandusky before opening Binger’s Barber Shop in Clyde, OH in 1961. He operated his successful barber shop, serving Clyde and the surrounding area for 54 years, retiring in 2015. He loved his career and getting to know the many customers who became friends over the years, talking with them about sports, the weather, and their families. Many area children remember getting their hair cut while riding on Silver, the booster seat horse that he and Evelyn made together. Another long-standing barbershop tradition was when the Leber family would bring a giant pumpkin into the shop for the contest to guess the weight, the winner receiving a free haircut, bragging rights, and the pumpkin!

Walter loved to garden. He entered vegetables in the Sandusky County fair for many years and was especially proud of his beautiful red beets and his Best of Show lima beans and tomatoes. All year long, his family ate quality vegetables that would rival any fine restaurant. Walter was a Charter Member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Vickery, and his faith was a very important part of his life. Later, he followed his children, becoming a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Castalia, to hear them perform music in church. His example of living as a Christian made a profound impact on his children and grandchildren. Walter was a sports fan, enjoyed fishing, and was a talented craftsman and handyman. He loved music and played the tenor saxophone, a skill he carried through his entire life. As a youth, he remembered travelling to Pelee Island with his family to visit his grandparents, and playing his saxophone in the Town Hall for the community. He played saxophone in several local dance bands, but his favorite combo was when he and Evelyn played piano and tenor saxophone together in their living room. Many memorable hours were spent making music together. Walter was always a front row supporter at his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s many band and choir concerts, sporting events, graduations, and recitals. He never missed a chance to show his support for the activities that were important to them. The absence created by the loss of Walter is palpable, and his worldly presence will be missed more than words can describe. We are comforted in knowing he is healed and eternally in the hands of his Lord and Savior.

Walter’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff of The Willows in Bellevue for treating our father with love, care, and dignity over the past year. Your dedication and compassion made a profound difference during his final months. Buckeye Hospice also provided a caring and essential service to our father during this difficult time. We are truly grateful for the support and comfort you provided not only to our father, but to our entire family.

Walter is survived by his wife, Evelyn Binger, his siblings; Joyce Havens and Gary Binger, his four children; Melanie Boyd (Chris), Marsha Rader (Mark Borsick), Alan Binger (Tami), and Jeanine Adams (Edgar), his grandchildren; Abbey Fry (Mark DuFour), Julie Falter (Paul), Jake Rader (Melanie), Emily Rader, Stacey Borsick, Alex Binger (Karley), Ethan Binger (Samantha), Garrett Binger, Lily Adams (Nick Corso), Seth Adams (Sarah Stanley), his great-grandchildren; Clark, Hank, Brock, Everly, Liam, Evelyn, Amelia, Maisie, Caleb, Ben, Adam, Alexis, James, Audrey, Lettie, Winnie, Henrik, and Grady, He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Mary, brother-in-law John Havens, and his granddaughter Rose.

Visitation will take place from 4-7 P.M. on Thursday, September 3, 2026 in the Auxter-Recker Funeral Home, 218 South Main Street, Clyde, Ohio. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, September 5, at 9:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 A.M. in the Congregational United Church of Christ, 205 Main Street, Castalia, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to one of their churches, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of one’s choice.