Bradley F. Binder passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2016. Brad was born September 7, 1954 in California to Earl and Hortense (Breakman) Binder. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, in Biology, a Master's Degree from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Doctorate Degree in Entomology from the University of Arizona. Brad married the love of his life, Sarah Sebring, in 1979. They met while life guarding at a community swimming pool in Southern California. As young newlyweds, they served on the ski patrol at Bear Mountain ski area in the San Bernardino Mountains. He pursued a career in research at various research institutes and at the US Department of Agriculture at Iowa State University. After many years in research, he elected to make a career change and see the country, driving for a national over-the-road distribution company. He retired in 2008.
Brad enjoyed many activities, including bicycling, hiking, swimming, skiing, car camping and backpacking, white water rafting, landscape gardening, propagating new varieties of hostas, reading, bird-watching and photography. He especially enjoyed traveling with his wife Sarah, and joined her in training for her long-distance walking events to raise money for breast cancer research and support. Along with Sarah, he treasured time with family, both with his family and hers. He had a soft spot in his heart for his many nieces and nephews.
Brad is survived by his wife, Sarah Binder, of Ames, his nephew Matthew Lambiase, his uncle Richard Binder, his in-laws Fred and Helen Sebring, sisters-in-law Judith Sebring, Candace Powell, Penelope Daugherty, and Audrey Black, and brothers-in-law Pete Sebring and Ralph Lambiase. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Bonnie Binder Lambiase.
A gathering in honor of Brad will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, 4:00-6:00 pm at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way in Ames. A celebration of life service in September.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.