Earl W. Binder

Earl W. Binder, 87, of Breinigsville, flew west on Friday April 7, 2023, at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, surrounded by loving family. He was the husband of Amy (Bertolette) Binder for 14 years. Born in Allentown November 13, 1935, he was the son of the late Paul R. and Esther (Wenz) Binder. Earl was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown. Earl graduated from Allentown High School, Class of 1954. He attended The Pennsylvania State University to study agriculture but was called back to work for the family business, Wenz Co. Inc. in Allentown where he served various roles, retiring as President in 2015. Earl served as an auxiliary police officer for the City of Allentown and as a deputy sheriff for Lehigh County. His passion for flying began in 1953 when his father gifted him flying lessons. Earl earned his commercial and flight instructor certificates in airplanes and gliders; he operated the flight school at Kutztown Airport for 19 years. Earl was a member of Civil Air Patrol, Pennsylvania Wing, earning the grade of Captain. Earl was a Mason for 66 years. He joined Jordan Lodge, now Jordan-Martin Lodge No. 673 F.&A.M., on June 18, 1957. He received his 50-year membership award on June 18, 2007, followed by his joining the new Lehigh Valley Day Lodge No. 813 F.&A.M. on December 27, 2002. Earl further continued his Masonic Journey by joining Rajah Shrine on December 12, 1964, becoming Potentate in 1980 and is a life member. He also served for 10 years on the board of the Shriners Hospital in Boston. He was most proud of combining his passion for flying and serving others by flying over 80 patients for treatment to the Shriners Hospital Burns Unit in Boston. Surviving with his wife is his brother, Paul Binder (Sharon) of Breinigsville; sisters, Sandra J. Stanton of Breinigsville and Kay Berghold (Joseph) of Lodi, CA. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dolores J. “Dee” Binder, and a brother, William Wenz Binder. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 3rd at Trexler Funeral Home, 1625 Highland St., Allentown. Friends and family are invited to call from 10:00-11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. A Masonic funeral service will begin at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “Shriners Hospitals for Children” at: Rajah Shrine, P.O. Box 40, Blandon, PA 19510-0040.