Thomas George Bingaman

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

Scouting was a central part of Tom’s life from childhood through retirement.

He was involved in Scouting in the Chief Seattle Council since he was a boy in 1944 with Troop 162 at St. Benedicts Parish. He served on the Camp Parsons Staff in 1946 in the kitchen and attained the Life Rank.

He also served his country in the US Navy as an Aircraft Engineer - Mechanic Foreman from 1952 to 1957 and through that time stayed involved in Scouting.

He returned to Scouting as an adult in 1965 at St. Anthony’s Parish in Renton when he joined Cub Pack #417 with his first son, Michael. He also served on the Pack Committee and as a WEBELOS leader from 1967 to 1971 and on the District Staff as the Organization and Extension Chairman during which time they formed two districts from the one.

He attended his first Wood Badge in 1968 and he received his beads in 1969. He was hooked. His first staff experience was on a Regional course in 1970 and through the years served on many Wood Badge staffs and assisted Mt. Rainier with their staff development. During his Wood Badge involvement, he was course Scoutmaster many times including the first time women were invited to Wood Badge. He also enjoyed serving as the Council Wood Badge Coordinator for 15 years.

Additionally, he served the Order of the Arrow as an Ordeal Scoutmaster for six years both in the spring and the fall. During that time ordeals were conducted for a six day period in the spring. He received the Vigil Honor in 1961 and his son Michael is a past ‘T’kope Kwis Kwis Chapter Chief and Lodge chief.

He received the St. George Award in 1973 and the Silver Beaver in 1975.

RENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

Tom joined the UW Police Department in 1957 and found a life of enjoyment helping people. His Chief of Police at that time told him of a Police Department known to have the same pay as Seattle PD with half of the problems. He travelled to Renton and spoke with the sergeant on duty - asking about openings in the department. He obtained an application and received an interview quite quickly.

A few days later, the chief of the UW Police called him into his office and advised him he was going to the Renton PD as soon as the UW completed is graduation ceremonies in 1961.

His commute to the UW was about 10 minutes – to Renton, it was 30 minutes so after work one day he went looking in North Renton and returned home to tell his bride that he bought her a house and she should start packing. Tom and his wife Marilyn raised their three children in that sight unseen house and while Marilyn passed away on November 13, 1998, Tom remained in that home until 2012 where he moved with his new wife Elizabeth “Betsy” Offutt-Bingaman to Evergreen Place in the Renton Highlands.

Shortly after arriving at Renton PD he attended Law Enforcement Basic Academy put on by FBI agents at Fort Lewis, Washington. One week in the classroom and one week at the pistol range. During this time, he also was given a tour of then a federal prison at McNeil Island.

He remained in the Patrol division for ten years and was asked to join the Traffic Investigative Team where after four years he was promoted to Lead Traffic Investigator working on serious and fatality collisions. During this time there were five drivers prosecuted for vehicle manslaughter and were sent to prison.

He enjoyed his 35 years of service with the Renton PD and was always very proud of having the distinction of serving Renton longer than any other officer.

Tom is dearly missed by his wife, Betsy, of 5 years, his children Christopher Michael (Charo), Richard Paul, and Ann Marie – his grandchildren Joshua (Zia), Amy (Paul Smith) and Tommy – and his great grandchildren Ezra, Titus and Jude. He is also missed by Betsy’s children John (Dyanna), Susan (Brent Moss) and Irene.

A visitation will be held Monday, November 21st from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at Greenwood Funeral Home. A church viewing and funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 22nd – viewing from 10:00 am in the narthex and mass to follow at 11:00 am. After an escorted funeral procession, there will be a committal service at Tahoma National Cemetery from 1:30p – 2:00p.

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Lord, I ask for courage;

Courage to face and conquer my own fears...

Courage to take me where others will not go…

I ask for strength;

Strength of body to protect others and

Strength of spirit to lead others.

I ask for dedication;

Dedication to my job to do it well...

Dedication to my community

To keep it safe…

Give me, Lord, concern

For all those who trust me...

And compassion for

those who need me…

And, please, Lord,

Through it all;

Be at my side.

~ Author Unknown