KINGWOOD, Texas — Elbert Joseph Binz,
94, from Little Rock, died peacefully on November 13 at Novellus Kingwood Assisted Living in Kingwood, Texas, surrounded in love by his wife, family, and caregivers. He was a beloved spouse, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, loved by his large family and many friends.
Elbert is survived by his wife of 70 years, Vernell (Austen) Binz; and four children, Stephen Binz (Pamela Pike) of Baton Rouge, Sharon Binz-Wachel (Mike) of Magnolia, Texas, Sandy Younger (Kirt) of Harrison, Ark., and Mike Binz (Patrick O’Connor) of New York. His grandchildren are Melony Scott of Montgomery, Cristin Scardino (Jason) of Pensacola, Brent Schutter of Houston, Nikki Clyde (Grant) of Magnolia, Texas, Jenna Dean (James) of Lynchburg, Va., Heather Morton (Nathan) of Fayetteville, Ark., Kyle Younger (Amanda) of Purdy, Mo., and Kody Younger of Rogers, Ark.
Elbert is also survived by his 19 great-grandchildren, Josef, Clara, Jude, Joshua, James, Cathryn, Crystal, Justus, Titan, Blaze, Celeste Joy, Lane, Noah, Nora, Nathaniel, Nash, Neely, Aubrey, and Kole; lots of dear nieces and nephews, and beloved friends.
Elbert was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine Binz; sister, Mildred Barron (James); and brother Walter Binz (Elizabeth).
After graduating from Catholic High School for Boys in 1947, he began work at AFCO Steel. In 1950, he was called to active duty in the Navy and served in Tokyo, Japan, receiving his honorable discharge in 1953. He returned to AFCO, where he worked for 41 years until his retirement in 1994. At AFCO he served in several positions: machine shop foreman, auditor for nuclear projects, and project manager for the many steel bridges built around the country.
Elbert married Vernell on Valentine’s Day in 1953 and raised four children together. As a couple they shared everything in common and worked together to maintain their home and family. He and his wife put their children through Catholic schools, volunteering and engaged in all their many events and activities. Elbert enjoyed gardening and yard work, building three rooms to their home, and fixing almost anything his children broke. In his spare time, he was an avid tennis player, playing in many tournaments and winning his share. He also enjoyed mixed doubles with his wife Vernell. It was a tough day in his 80s when he had to give up the racquet.
He was an active member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church until 2010 where he was a Eucharistic minister in church and to the sick and served on committees. They then moved to west Little Rock and joined Christ the King Catholic Church, where he was a perpetual adorer, member of the men’s Romeo club, and shared in many Primetimer activities. Elbert and Vernell traveled throughout the country visiting their growing family and enjoyed oversees trips to Rome and the Holy Land. They moved to Houston in 2019 and entered Novellus Assisted Living, cared for by the fine staff and the devotion of their loving daughter Sharon. Elbert’s dedication to marriage, faith, and family is a lasting inspiration for all the generations of his family. He spent a lifetime of generous commitment to them all.
The family offers special thanks to the caring staff at Novellus Kingwood and Horizons Hospice. Visitation will be on Thursday evening, November 16, at Kingwood Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 5:30 p.m. and Vigil Service with rosary at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Martha Catholic Church in 11 a.m. on Friday, November 17, followed by burial at Forest Park The Woodlands Cemetery, Texas. Memorials may be made to St. Martha Catholic Church, 4301 Woodridge Pkwy, Porter, Texas.
Arrangements by Kingwood Funeral Home , 22800 US-59, Kingwood, Texas 77339, (281) 358-9005.
We invite you to sign the online guestbook at www.kingwoodfuneralhome.com