Donald Duane Binder

Donald Duane Binder

Don Binder died in his home in Montrose on March 11.

Don was born to Adolph and Eleanor (Pfannanstiel) Binder, near Munjor, Kansas on August 3, 1939. He grew up on the family farm and dairy near Hays, Kansas.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving in the Philippines and Okinawa and was honorably discharged in 1960.

Don graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1971 with an Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology. He worked in his chosen field of education as a school psychologist and administrator for 30 years, ending his career as the Director of Student Services for the Montrose County School District.  During his career, he worked tirelessly to provide educational services to children with special needs.

Although the mountain landscape was what brought Don to Colorado, it was the desert landscape of south eastern Utah that he truly loved.  He began hiking in the Cedar Mesa and Grand Gulch areas in the late 70’s and continued to wander there as often as he could. He was an active member of the Chipeta Chapter of the Colorado Archeological Society.

Don is survived by his wife Elizabeth, with whom he spent 38 wonderful years.  Together they shared four children: Mitchell Carroll and wife Susie of Mountain Grove, Missouri; Curt Weimer and wife Buffy of Kemah, Texas: Jody Weimer and wife Kim of Nucla, Colorado; and Amy Carver and partner Brad Duran of Grand Junction, Colorado.  Also surviving are grandchildren: Michael, Jennifer and Anne Carroll; Megan, Jordan, Tyler, Logan and Morgan Weimer; Hannah, Haley and Cacy Carver; and Myta and Jared Smith and great grandchildren Rowdy, Emma, and Paetynn.

Other family survivors include his sisters Elaine Horne (Ron) of Canyon City, CO; Kathy Ward (Les) of Hays, Kansas and Barb Elliot (Jeff) of Natoma, Kansas and many beloved nieces and nephews.

At Don’s request there will be no service: cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be spread in an area that he loved.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, in Montrose is assisting the family.