Funeral Services for Bobby Dean Bingham, Age 87 of West Plains, Missouri will be held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026 at The Faith Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri, beginning at 2:00 PM. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will be in The Howell Valley Cemetery, West Plains, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Design Your Life, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of The Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, Missouri.
Mr. Bingham passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026 at his home surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born April 8, 1939, in Hot Spot, Kentucky, the son of the late L.D. and Ruby Watkins Bingham. He later moved to Indiana, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Napier. They were united in marriage on September 1, 1962, in Sunman, Indiana, beginning a loving partnership that spanned nearly 64 years. Together they built a home filled with faith, love, and devotion while raising their three children: Denise, Brian and Melinda. Before beginning his career at Marathon Electric, Bob worked a variety of jobs while completing the DeVry Engineering and Electronics Home Study Course. His determination and dedication led him to Marathon Electric in Earlville, Illinois, where he worked as a maintenance engineer and later as a supervisor. Following the closure of the Earlville plant, he transferred with the company to West Plains, Missouri. After experiencing health issues, Bob retired from Marathon Electric in 1992. Bob was a gentle, loving man whose quiet wisdom left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. When he spoke, people listened. His unwavering faith in God was the foundation of his life, and he had a remarkable gift for sharing the Gospel in ways that were simple, heartfelt, and easy to understand. His life was a testimony of kindness, humility, and service. Above all else, Bob loved his family. He was their greatest encourager, celebrating every achievement and offering unwavering support through every challenge. Whether it meant traveling hundreds of miles across multiple states to cheer on his children and grandchildren at sporting events or simply being there when someone needed him, he never hesitated to show up. He was the person everyone called for plumbing problems, car trouble, electrical repairs, or advice on building just about anything. If Bob didn’t already know the answer, he would figure it out. He was always ready to lend a hand, expecting nothing in return.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; his children, Denise Reed (Lee), Brian Bingham, and Melinda Swope (Jason); his grandchildren, Brandon Reed (Chasity), Brittney Bingham, Amanda Reed, Bailey Smith (Seth), Sydney Bingham, Jake Swope (fiancée, Kaylee), and Cassidy Bingham; his cherished great-grandchildren, Jacee, Kinley, Kourtlyn, Kaci, Cooper, Liam, Remie, Kennedy, and Delilah; and several beloved family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, L.D. and Ruby Watkins Bingham; his parents-in-law, Edmond and Rosa Napier; his brothers, Bill Bingham, Buddy Bingham, and Benny Bingham; and his sisters, Pauline McQueen and Ernestine Short.
Bob’s greatest legacy is not found in the things he built with his hands, but in the lives he built through his faith, his love, and his example. He leaves behind a family strengthened by his guidance, comforted by his unwavering love, and forever grateful for the time they were blessed to share with him. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds peace in knowing that he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and is now resting in the presence of his Savior.
