Mr. Binkley was born December 19, 1924, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, moving with his family to Taft, California at the age of 9. He was a longtime resident of Ventura, attending Ventura College and UCSB before beginning his career in the oil industry. Murrel proudly served in the 3017th Army Air Forces during WWII, flying on more than 30 missions over Normandy, France, and Rhineland before his honorable discharge in September 1945. He returned to California, residing in Ventura for more than 65 years. He retired from Shell Oil Company in 1985.
Murrel was an avid and accomplished sportsman his entire life, amassing an impressive collection of trophies in several sports. Golf was his primary passion, but he also played basketball and baseball in college, and later enjoyed bowling. In February 1948, he scored 28 points in a game against the barnstorming N.Y. Harlem Globetrotters, with his team winning 62-49. He achieved two holes-in-one at Montalvo Golf Course and set a new course record there in 1967 with a nine-under-par score.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Binkley, son Thomas Binkley, grandson Kevin Binkley, brothers Harold Binkley and Earl Binkley, and the mother of his sons, Merle Binkley.
Murrel is survived by his son, Stephen Binkley; daughter, Cheryl Binkley; grandsons, Darrin Binkley, Lucas Binkley, and Kincaid Binkley; great-grandchildren Trynity Binkley, Jared Binkley, and Ian Binkley. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Slick, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Murrel will be remembered for his wit and story-telling skills. He especially enjoyed gatherings of family and friends, small and large. After his wife’s passing he was a regular at local restaurants, rising at 5:30 a.m. daily to share breakfast with his friend John and meeting old friends for a weekly lunch up until the last months of his life.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 20, 2018, at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Burial with military honors will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross of Central California, 836 Calle Plano, Camarillo, CA 93012
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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