GARLAN PATE BINGHAM

This long tall, plain spoken, honest and compassionate man left this earth to be with his heavenly Father and experience his renewed body surrounded by his wife and loving family.  He wanted nothing more out of this life but to help others, ride a good horse, cook a good meal, build a better something and see if he could irritate his wife.  He often said "I wouldn't take a million for her or give a dime for another just like her".  His love of this community and the people in it surpassed none.  He loved De Leon and said he wouldn't live anywhere else and he didn't.  His passion for horses was only a drop in the bucket when it came to kids as a baseball coach or any kid he came in contact with.  I'm sure when he got to Heaven, he was met by all those who went before him leading a herd of horses for him to rope, tame, and ride.

He left behind his wife, Melissa; sisters-in-law, Linda Dennis, of Lake Buchanan; Cynthia Bynum and husband Jerry, of San Angelo, and Lynn Dykes and husband Bodie, of Lake Buchanan; brother-in-law, Robert Dennis and wife Suzanne of Abilene ; step-daughters that he thought were his, Toni Ballard and husband Brady of Austin; and Melinda Palomeque and husband Lucas of Austin; brother, Jerry Bingham and wife Jan of Blanket; sister, Wadena Cogburn and husband Kenny of Proctor; grandkids who meant the world to him, Jarron Griffith and Sutton Ballard of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews that made his world full.

Garland and Melissa had a daily debate of "I love you more".  His last words to Melissa were, "I love you". He's the winner for now until we meet again, healthy and whole with those sparkling blue eyes.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ben Richy's Boys Ranch in Abilene and the Disabled American Veterans Association.

Services celebrating Garlan's life were held Friday, March 13, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home with Pastor Cody Dykes officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com .