Leonard Binford

PUXICO, Mo. — Leonard Eugene “Gene” Binford, 90, son of Samuel Leonard and Stella Davis Binford was born in Morehouse, Missouri, Feb. 22, 1930 and passed away at his home in Puxico, Missouri Monday, Dec. 21, 2020.

Gene lived in Puxico most of his life. He was a lifelong farmer, enjoyed raising cattle, and was fond of square dancing as a member of the Puxico Country Squares. He was a charter member of the First General Baptist Church in Puxico.

On June 28, 1952, Gene married Mary Ellen Midgett in Piggott, Arkansas. She preceded him in death March 30, 2014.

Surviving is one son, Ray (Margaret) Binford of Puxico; two daughters, Patty (Jim) Wagner of Puxico and Susan (Ron) Hitt of Bloomfield; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Nickolas, Tiffany, Crystal, Adam, and Derek; 13 great-grandchildren, Josh, Emily, Nathan, Taylin, Caleb, Autumn, Riley, Maddie, Hunter, Caden, Kaston, Cole and Levi; one brother, Charlie Pratt of Puxico; and one sister, Betty Case of Florida. Gene is also survived by numerous extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Davis Binford; and four sisters, Frances Pratt, Mary Elizabeth Hargrave, Kathryn Roos, and Lucille Barham.

Family and friends may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021 at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico, with Rev. Johnny Buttry of Puxico officiating.

Interment will be at Puxico Cemetery in Puxico, Missouri with Watkins and Sons Funeral Service of Puxico in charge of arrangements.