Col. Carleton Dille "Bing" Bingham, PhD of Cecil, Wisconsin, a multi-faceted man of outstanding leadership and integrity, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 1, 2021, at his home.  He was the son of the late Carleton and Dorothy (Dille) Bingham.

Bing was blessed with the wonderful union of 26+ years with the love of his life - Joan - whom he met and married on February 4, 1995, in Illinois.  They lived a life of happiness, respect and honor sharing many enjoyable experiences together.  They traveled to Cancun, Hawaii, and England.  A fond memory of Bing's was dancing with his sweetheart at the Marine Ball in his dress blues.

They enjoyed reading, learning the computer, crosswords, Jeopardy and a good scotch when it was time to relax in the evening.  They had recently moved to Cecil, Wisconsin from Nevada to enjoy a home in the country on a river.  Together they thought it would be the perfect place to entertain members of the Wounded Warriors for some relaxation with fishing and river trips.

Bing was born on March 25, 1929, in Washington D. C. to Carleton Rudd and Dorothy (Dille) Bingham.  He grew up in Washington and California.  When he was just nine, he and his brother, Louis, traveled from D.C. to California on a train alone escorted only by the conductor - quite an experience for the young pair.    Louis even celebrated his 7th birthday on the journey.

At age 12, he joined the Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  Bing often commented that the Scouts taught him the beginnings of leadership and coping skills.  While in school at Point Loma, Bing lettered in baseball and basketball, was Student Body President and class Valedictorian.  A fond memory at Point Loma, was when he was placed on the Wall of Fame for his life achievements.

After high school, he joined the inactive reserves to assist with educational expenses and then transferred to the Marine Platoon Leaders Class which commissioned him as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation.  Bing attended San Diego State where he earned a Bachelor's degree with Honors and Distinction in Chemistry and received his commission.  He planned on being a high school science teacher, but the Korean War interrupted those plans.

Bing received orders for active duty in March of 1951 and left in September.  Bing incurred live fire in December when a grenade fragment cut his leg, but the G-3-1 unit held their lines.  Bing received the Purple Heart for his dedication and service to his country.  Bing stayed in the Reserves following Korea, rising to the rank of Colonel at age 40 while serving with the 2nd 105 Howitzer Battalion (USMCR, Los Angeles, later the 1st Battalion, 14th Marines).

Upon returning to the states, Bing continued his graduate education and then pursued a PhD program in chemistry at UCLA.  He worked as a Radiation Safety Engineer, then headed the Division of Radiation Safety, with oversight responsibilities for radiological projects at the campuses of the University of California while completing the requirements for a PhD in Physical (Nuclear) Chemistry in August 1959.  He later accepted a position with Atomics International doing research to characterize radiation effects on nuclear reactor fuel materials and was appointed supervisor.

Bing's career then continued in 1971 with a Directorship of Atomic Energy Commission's New Brunswick Lab in New Jersey. The lab outgrew its environment in Jersey and was relocated in 1977 to Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago and he moved with it, retiring from Federal Service in February of 1995.  Bing and Joan were married the day after he retired.

After retirement, Bing was involved with the Department of Energy as a consultant, serving various positions in the G-3-1 Korea Association, Wounded Warrior Center, Wheelers for Wounded, Carson Valley Kiwanis, and singing in the choir of the Carson Valley Methodist Church. He had been a devout member of the Methodist religion his entire life finding strength in his faith.

Bing is survived by his wife Joan; one brother, Louis Bingham; three sons, two daughters, and one stepson, Rick Winans; twelve grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sister-in-law Patricia Duning and many nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

Bing was preceded in death by his parents Carleton Bingham and Dorothy (Dille) Bingham; his in-laws Emmet and Clara Tatosky; Stepdaughter - Raine (Winans) Schaeuble; Stepson LeRoy Winans; sister-in-law, Ann (Louis) Bingham; and brother-in-law, James (Pearl) Tatosky.

We will honor Carleton Bingham's legacy with a memorial service at the Tabor United Methodist Church at 1:00 on Thursday, October 14, 2021. The family has entrusted Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Col. Carleton "Bing" Bingham to: The Wounded Warrior Program Disabled Services Eastern Sierra, D.S.E.S., PO Box 7275, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. Phone: 760-914-1275.