Michael Buster Binion

Michael B. Binion, 75, died September 13, 2021, in Columbus, OH with his wife, children and brother-in-law by his side. Mike was born April 3, 1946, in Columbus and raised in the coal mining towns of West Virginia by his parents Estel Byron Binion and Marjorie Ann Sullivan, both deceased. After graduation from Charleston Catholic High School, Mike went on to college in West Virginia, Alaska, California and graduated with a M.Ed from Ohio University. He took continuing education classes from the Ohio State University and Ohio University. Mike taught elementary and high school age students in Vinton County, Ohio, before moving back to Columbus to become an educational specialist for students with behavioral disabilities at Upham Hall at The Ohio State University and the Educational Services Director at St. Vincent's Children Center. Mike loved being an educator and became the Teacher Coordinator of services for students with Severe Behavior Disabilities at St. Vincent's. As Assistant Principal at the Lancaster High School and then Principal at General Sherman Junior High School in Lancaster, OH, Mike mentored students while providing leadership and support to the parents and teachers. Mike retired in 2001 from Lancaster City Schools but continued part-time administrative work for students with disabilities for Upper Arlington City Schools, OH as well as an Adjunct Instructor, supervising student teachers for Ashland University.

Mike was a man who lived his life to the fullest and was loved by many. He routinely went rock climbing indoors and outdoors, and in the winter added ice climbing. He also traveled around the globe to scuba dive with family and friends. Never one to sit still, Mike ran almost daily and participated in many triathlons, marathons, 10K, and 5K races. He even won the Mud Ninja in his age group when he was 72. Most recently, Mike has been walking virtual races with his wife and granddaughters. The only time you might find Mike sitting around was when he played euchre with his dear friends, went to a live music concert, played guitar, or sat around a campfire. Mike was scheduled to go hiking with his buddies in Colorado this fall. He rarely missed a soccer, baseball, lacrosse, or basketball game of his 4 grandchildren, Michael, Kelsey, Thomas and Kylie. Mike coached his son Michael in multiple sports also. He promoted the arts with his family, encouraging his daughter Melanie and granddaughters to draw and paint. Mike never missed taking his granddaughters to the Nutcracker after building gingerbread houses with family.

Mike was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Ann Opferman Binion; his son, Michael Binion (Hollie Binion), grandchildren Michael and Kelsey; daughter Melanie Kitchen, grandchildren, Thomas and Kylie. He was loved by his brothers-in-law, Thomas Opferman (Sandra Kirmeyer) and Charles Opferman (Barb Opferman). Mike will be missed by his cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends and colleagues.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his three brothers, Robert Binion, Kurt Binion and David Sullivan.

Mike's fun-loving spirit brought joy to many. Mike will live in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Scioto Audubon Metro Park or your favorite food pantry.

Visitation will be Friday, September 17, 2021 from 8:30 am - 10:00 am at Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service, Dublin, OH. Masks are required. Interment will be in a private ceremony at Scott Union Cemetery in Huron, Ohio.