Well done, thy good and faithful servant." These words were certainly heard by Calvin "Cal" B. Bynum on January 11, 2012, at 8:25 AM when he walked through the Pearly Gates and God welcomed him home to heaven. Mr. Bynum had fought various cancers for the past nine and one-half years and was a resident of Mesa Springs Nursing Home at the time of his crossover to heaven.
A celebration of Calvin Bascom Bynum's life of 87 years will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the Potosi Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Cheatham, Rev. Glenn Ward, and Larry Searcy officiating. Music will be provided by Ed and Terri Miller and Nancy Chrismer. Interment will follow at Potosi Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Bailey-Howard Funeral Home in Clyde. Visitation will be Friday evening, January 13, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the funeral home.
Calvin "Cal" Bynum was born on December 30, 1924, in Potosi, Texas, the seventh of eight children of Charlie & CoraLee Bynum. Cal graduated from Eula High School in 1942 and continued to help his dad and younger brother Bill with the cotton fields after his older brothers left to join various military forces.
A Merchant Marine
When the 1944 crop harvest was complete, Cal left with several other Potosi boys to join the Merchant Marines. Cal did not have a middle name because his mother would not allow his name to be Calvin Coolidge Bynum; however, the Merchant Marines required a middle name, so he took his dad's middle name when enlisting. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to Abilene where he took various business courses at Draughon Business College and worked at White's Auto Store.
Cal & Ina
Cal and Ina Mae Fleming had their first date on December 6, 1946, and were married on July 25, 1947, in Abilene; Cal soon adopted Ina's young son Larry as his own. Melinda June was born in 1954. By that time, Cal was in business with his brothers and a brother-in-law as Bynum Brothers; they had a storage business and eventually Babe and Cal worked together for Acme Freight until 1972. After another short stint with White's Auto in Clyde, Cal became the Snap-on Tool dealer for the north side of Abilene, Stamford, Anson, & Haskell, and again, was in the same business as Babe. He retired from Snap-on in 1983.
A Man of God
Cal was saved as a young boy at Potosi Methodist Church, but his lifelong dedication to the Lord and His church began in earnest when Cal was baptized at Abilene's Elmwood Baptist Church in 1949. He was ordained as a Baptist deacon by the same church in 1951. When the Bynums moved to Clyde in 1958, they joined First Baptist Church (FBC) where Cal served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and a member of various committees.
When FBC Clyde decided to start a mission church on Gashouse Road, Cal and Ina felt God's leadership to participate in that endeavor; therefore, Cal, Ina, and Melinda were charter members of Cherry Heights Baptist Church (CHBC) in 1961. Cal literally had a part in building every structure of that church, was a strong encouragement and support for the Hardin-Simmons University student ministers who served at CHBC, and served on most every committee at some time. Cal was involved in Texas partnership mission endeavors in Washington & Minnesota, Rio Grande River area, and the island of St. Kitts in the British West Indies. Just months before Ina went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 1992, Cal and Ina joined Elmdale Baptist Church.
Cal's main goal in life was sharing his faith as recently evidenced by the many lives he touched while dealing with the treatment and decline of the final cancer diagnosis. Over the years, Cal kept a list in his Bible of men for whom he was praying, and most of them found a new or renewed life in Christ and His church while included on that list.
Big Country Baptist Assembly
Calvin also began his involvement with Lueders Baptist Encampment, now known as Big Country Baptist Assembly (BCBA), in the early 50's. In October 2010, he was honored for 30 years of service on the camp's Executive Board and more than 60 years of connection to the camp; camp manager Larry Searcy credits Cal and his prayer life with the camp's current expansion because of his leadership on the Executive Board during the camp's lean years. He and wife Ina also volunteered many, many hours at the camp; using a portable cement mixer and a wheelbarrow, Cal spent three years building the concrete seating in the Prayer Garden. The Bynums planted and tended the many plants and rose bushes that adorned the Prayer Garden. In October 2011, the camp's Executive Board voted to name the refurbished and enlarged activities building the Bynum Athletic Center, in honor of Cal and as representative of the many volunteers who have given so much to further the camp's ministry.
Cal & Louise
Cal married Louise Farrell on August 1, 1995, at Elmdale Baptist Church and moved into Abilene. Cal continued to serve at Elmdale Baptist Church and at BCBA. Louise's family joined in the BCBA volunteer work at the prayer garden, in the camp kitchen, and wherever needed. One of Cal's last endeavors was the Elmdale church's outreach ministry trailer/float that participates in various parades in the Abilene/Clyde area. In 2005, the Abilene Baptist Association honored Cal as the Layperson of the Year.
Cal--the Family Man and the Sportsman
While living in Clyde, Cal served as Band Booster President and Concession Stand Organizer; Goodfellows Christmas Drive Chairman; and as a member of the City Council from 1986 - 1992. He also umpired Pony League baseball in the 60's and 70's. Later, Cal supported the bands directed by son-in-law George/Buddy Strickland by grilling hamburgers at various band contests. Cal joined Louise as a volunteer at Abilene Regional Hospital and was best known for his "Ho, Ho, Ho" Christmas hat and singing carols at the entrance to Regional's Women's Center.
Cal shared yearly hunting trips first with brother Babe and daughter Melinda, and later, after teaching him to hunt, with son-in-law Buddy and grandson Jeremy; now great-grandson Kaden is a part of that family tradition. Cal spent many hours fishing and playing dominoes or 42 with Pansy and Johnny Anderson and grandkids Jacky, Calvin Neal (his namesake), & Tonya. Many family and friends' homes and the new Activity Center at Elmdale Baptist Church are adorned with items Cal created in his woodshop. He also enjoyed riding in the mule, fishing, gardening, and overseeing building projects with Louise's family at the Ranch near Talpa. He was a Dallas Cowboy and Texas Longhorn fan and had a memorable trip to the 2006 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, when the University of Texas won the National Championship.
Survivors include his wife, Louise of Abilene; daughter Melinda and husband George (Buddy) Strickland of Liberty Hill; daughter-in-law Pansy Bynum Anderson and husband Johnny of Farmersville; 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; sister Mamie Gray of Abilene; brother Babe (A.T.) and wife Pat of Abilene; sister-in-law Veda Bynum of Potosi; sister-in-law Helen Mahoney & husband Bob of Madill, Oklahoma; and brother-in-law Harold Fleming and wife Barbara of Branson, Missouri. Surviving Cal from the Farrell family include daughters Brenda Darnell and husband Carl of Talpa and Sandy Russell and husband Roy of Pinch, West Virginia; son Hobert Farrell and wife Carol of Longview; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie & CoraLee Bynum; his wife of 47 years, Ina Mae, and their son, Larry; brothers Preston, Hoyt, Pete and Bill; sister Ruby Wiltrout; great-grandson Noah Bascom Bynum (his namesake); nephew Mark Bynum; and from the Farrell family, granddaughter Marilyn Darnell Johnson; and great-great-granddaughter Caitlyn Reed.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Cal Bynum, Jacky Bynum, and Jeremy Strickland; and great-grandsons Sean Bynum, Ryan Bynum, Brent Hamilton, Kaden Strickland, and Casey Price. Honorary pallbearers will be Vinson Higginbotham, Tommy Thomason, Carl Higginbotham, Trennon Cauthen, John Farrell, & David Farrell.
Memorial contributions may be made to Big Country Baptist Assembly, P.O. Box 248, Lueders, TX 79533; Mesa Springs Employee Fund, 7171 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79606; Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartfold St., Abilene, TX 79605; or a charity of choice .
The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Anton Melnyk of Texas Oncology in Abilene, the nurses and staff of Mesa Springs Nursing Home, the staff of Hospice of the Big Country, and the many friends and family who have ministered to Cal and family during the past months.
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. - Proverbs 21:21 (from BCBA recognition of Cal in 2010). He certainly had a life well lived, and to God be the glory!
Online condolences may be made at www.baileyhowardfuneralhome.com.
Published in Abilene Reporter-News on January 13, 2012
A celebration of Calvin Bascom Bynum's life of 87 years will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the Potosi Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Cheatham, Rev. Glenn Ward, and Larry Searcy officiating. Music will be provided by Ed and Terri Miller and Nancy Chrismer. Interment will follow at Potosi Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Bailey-Howard Funeral Home in Clyde. Visitation will be Friday evening, January 13, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the funeral home.
Calvin "Cal" Bynum was born on December 30, 1924, in Potosi, Texas, the seventh of eight children of Charlie & CoraLee Bynum. Cal graduated from Eula High School in 1942 and continued to help his dad and younger brother Bill with the cotton fields after his older brothers left to join various military forces.
A Merchant Marine
When the 1944 crop harvest was complete, Cal left with several other Potosi boys to join the Merchant Marines. Cal did not have a middle name because his mother would not allow his name to be Calvin Coolidge Bynum; however, the Merchant Marines required a middle name, so he took his dad's middle name when enlisting. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to Abilene where he took various business courses at Draughon Business College and worked at White's Auto Store.
Cal & Ina
Cal and Ina Mae Fleming had their first date on December 6, 1946, and were married on July 25, 1947, in Abilene; Cal soon adopted Ina's young son Larry as his own. Melinda June was born in 1954. By that time, Cal was in business with his brothers and a brother-in-law as Bynum Brothers; they had a storage business and eventually Babe and Cal worked together for Acme Freight until 1972. After another short stint with White's Auto in Clyde, Cal became the Snap-on Tool dealer for the north side of Abilene, Stamford, Anson, & Haskell, and again, was in the same business as Babe. He retired from Snap-on in 1983.
A Man of God
Cal was saved as a young boy at Potosi Methodist Church, but his lifelong dedication to the Lord and His church began in earnest when Cal was baptized at Abilene's Elmwood Baptist Church in 1949. He was ordained as a Baptist deacon by the same church in 1951. When the Bynums moved to Clyde in 1958, they joined First Baptist Church (FBC) where Cal served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and a member of various committees.
When FBC Clyde decided to start a mission church on Gashouse Road, Cal and Ina felt God's leadership to participate in that endeavor; therefore, Cal, Ina, and Melinda were charter members of Cherry Heights Baptist Church (CHBC) in 1961. Cal literally had a part in building every structure of that church, was a strong encouragement and support for the Hardin-Simmons University student ministers who served at CHBC, and served on most every committee at some time. Cal was involved in Texas partnership mission endeavors in Washington & Minnesota, Rio Grande River area, and the island of St. Kitts in the British West Indies. Just months before Ina went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 1992, Cal and Ina joined Elmdale Baptist Church.
Cal's main goal in life was sharing his faith as recently evidenced by the many lives he touched while dealing with the treatment and decline of the final cancer diagnosis. Over the years, Cal kept a list in his Bible of men for whom he was praying, and most of them found a new or renewed life in Christ and His church while included on that list.
Big Country Baptist Assembly
Calvin also began his involvement with Lueders Baptist Encampment, now known as Big Country Baptist Assembly (BCBA), in the early 50's. In October 2010, he was honored for 30 years of service on the camp's Executive Board and more than 60 years of connection to the camp; camp manager Larry Searcy credits Cal and his prayer life with the camp's current expansion because of his leadership on the Executive Board during the camp's lean years. He and wife Ina also volunteered many, many hours at the camp; using a portable cement mixer and a wheelbarrow, Cal spent three years building the concrete seating in the Prayer Garden. The Bynums planted and tended the many plants and rose bushes that adorned the Prayer Garden. In October 2011, the camp's Executive Board voted to name the refurbished and enlarged activities building the Bynum Athletic Center, in honor of Cal and as representative of the many volunteers who have given so much to further the camp's ministry.
Cal & Louise
Cal married Louise Farrell on August 1, 1995, at Elmdale Baptist Church and moved into Abilene. Cal continued to serve at Elmdale Baptist Church and at BCBA. Louise's family joined in the BCBA volunteer work at the prayer garden, in the camp kitchen, and wherever needed. One of Cal's last endeavors was the Elmdale church's outreach ministry trailer/float that participates in various parades in the Abilene/Clyde area. In 2005, the Abilene Baptist Association honored Cal as the Layperson of the Year.
Cal--the Family Man and the Sportsman
While living in Clyde, Cal served as Band Booster President and Concession Stand Organizer; Goodfellows Christmas Drive Chairman; and as a member of the City Council from 1986 - 1992. He also umpired Pony League baseball in the 60's and 70's. Later, Cal supported the bands directed by son-in-law George/Buddy Strickland by grilling hamburgers at various band contests. Cal joined Louise as a volunteer at Abilene Regional Hospital and was best known for his "Ho, Ho, Ho" Christmas hat and singing carols at the entrance to Regional's Women's Center.
Cal shared yearly hunting trips first with brother Babe and daughter Melinda, and later, after teaching him to hunt, with son-in-law Buddy and grandson Jeremy; now great-grandson Kaden is a part of that family tradition. Cal spent many hours fishing and playing dominoes or 42 with Pansy and Johnny Anderson and grandkids Jacky, Calvin Neal (his namesake), & Tonya. Many family and friends' homes and the new Activity Center at Elmdale Baptist Church are adorned with items Cal created in his woodshop. He also enjoyed riding in the mule, fishing, gardening, and overseeing building projects with Louise's family at the Ranch near Talpa. He was a Dallas Cowboy and Texas Longhorn fan and had a memorable trip to the 2006 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, when the University of Texas won the National Championship.
Survivors include his wife, Louise of Abilene; daughter Melinda and husband George (Buddy) Strickland of Liberty Hill; daughter-in-law Pansy Bynum Anderson and husband Johnny of Farmersville; 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; sister Mamie Gray of Abilene; brother Babe (A.T.) and wife Pat of Abilene; sister-in-law Veda Bynum of Potosi; sister-in-law Helen Mahoney & husband Bob of Madill, Oklahoma; and brother-in-law Harold Fleming and wife Barbara of Branson, Missouri. Surviving Cal from the Farrell family include daughters Brenda Darnell and husband Carl of Talpa and Sandy Russell and husband Roy of Pinch, West Virginia; son Hobert Farrell and wife Carol of Longview; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie & CoraLee Bynum; his wife of 47 years, Ina Mae, and their son, Larry; brothers Preston, Hoyt, Pete and Bill; sister Ruby Wiltrout; great-grandson Noah Bascom Bynum (his namesake); nephew Mark Bynum; and from the Farrell family, granddaughter Marilyn Darnell Johnson; and great-great-granddaughter Caitlyn Reed.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Cal Bynum, Jacky Bynum, and Jeremy Strickland; and great-grandsons Sean Bynum, Ryan Bynum, Brent Hamilton, Kaden Strickland, and Casey Price. Honorary pallbearers will be Vinson Higginbotham, Tommy Thomason, Carl Higginbotham, Trennon Cauthen, John Farrell, & David Farrell.
Memorial contributions may be made to Big Country Baptist Assembly, P.O. Box 248, Lueders, TX 79533; Mesa Springs Employee Fund, 7171 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79606; Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartfold St., Abilene, TX 79605; or a charity of choice .
The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Anton Melnyk of Texas Oncology in Abilene, the nurses and staff of Mesa Springs Nursing Home, the staff of Hospice of the Big Country, and the many friends and family who have ministered to Cal and family during the past months.
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. - Proverbs 21:21 (from BCBA recognition of Cal in 2010). He certainly had a life well lived, and to God be the glory!
Online condolences may be made at www.baileyhowardfuneralhome.com.
Published in Abilene Reporter-News on January 13, 2012
Well done, thy good and faithful servant." These words were certainly heard by Calvin "Cal" B. Bynum on January 11, 2012, at 8:25 AM when he walked through the Pearly Gates and God welcomed him home to heaven. Mr. Bynum had fought various cancers for the past nine and one-half years and was a resident of Mesa Springs Nursing Home at the time of his crossover to heaven.
A celebration of Calvin Bascom Bynum's life of 87 years will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the Potosi Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Cheatham, Rev. Glenn Ward, and Larry Searcy officiating. Music will be provided by Ed and Terri Miller and Nancy Chrismer. Interment will follow at Potosi Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Bailey-Howard Funeral Home in Clyde. Visitation will be Friday evening, January 13, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the funeral home.
Calvin "Cal" Bynum was born on December 30, 1924, in Potosi, Texas, the seventh of eight children of Charlie & CoraLee Bynum. Cal graduated from Eula High School in 1942 and continued to help his dad and younger brother Bill with the cotton fields after his older brothers left to join various military forces.
A Merchant Marine
When the 1944 crop harvest was complete, Cal left with several other Potosi boys to join the Merchant Marines. Cal did not have a middle name because his mother would not allow his name to be Calvin Coolidge Bynum; however, the Merchant Marines required a middle name, so he took his dad's middle name when enlisting. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to Abilene where he took various business courses at Draughon Business College and worked at White's Auto Store.
Cal & Ina
Cal and Ina Mae Fleming had their first date on December 6, 1946, and were married on July 25, 1947, in Abilene; Cal soon adopted Ina's young son Larry as his own. Melinda June was born in 1954. By that time, Cal was in business with his brothers and a brother-in-law as Bynum Brothers; they had a storage business and eventually Babe and Cal worked together for Acme Freight until 1972. After another short stint with White's Auto in Clyde, Cal became the Snap-on Tool dealer for the north side of Abilene, Stamford, Anson, & Haskell, and again, was in the same business as Babe. He retired from Snap-on in 1983.
A Man of God
Cal was saved as a young boy at Potosi Methodist Church, but his lifelong dedication to the Lord and His church began in earnest when Cal was baptized at Abilene's Elmwood Baptist Church in 1949. He was ordained as a Baptist deacon by the same church in 1951. When the Bynums moved to Clyde in 1958, they joined First Baptist Church (FBC) where Cal served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and a member of various committees.
When FBC Clyde decided to start a mission church on Gashouse Road, Cal and Ina felt God's leadership to participate in that endeavor; therefore, Cal, Ina, and Melinda were charter members of Cherry Heights Baptist Church (CHBC) in 1961. Cal literally had a part in building every structure of that church, was a strong encouragement and support for the Hardin-Simmons University student ministers who served at CHBC, and served on most every committee at some time. Cal was involved in Texas partnership mission endeavors in Washington & Minnesota, Rio Grande River area, and the island of St. Kitts in the British West Indies. Just months before Ina went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 1992, Cal and Ina joined Elmdale Baptist Church.
Cal's main goal in life was sharing his faith as recently evidenced by the many lives he touched while dealing with the treatment and decline of the final cancer diagnosis. Over the years, Cal kept a list in his Bible of men for whom he was praying, and most of them found a new or renewed life in Christ and His church while included on that list.
Big Country Baptist Assembly
Calvin also began his involvement with Lueders Baptist Encampment, now known as Big Country Baptist Assembly (BCBA), in the early 50's. In October 2010, he was honored for 30 years of service on the camp's Executive Board and more than 60 years of connection to the camp; camp manager Larry Searcy credits Cal and his prayer life with the camp's current expansion because of his leadership on the Executive Board during the camp's lean years. He and wife Ina also volunteered many, many hours at the camp; using a portable cement mixer and a wheelbarrow, Cal spent three years building the concrete seating in the Prayer Garden. The Bynums planted and tended the many plants and rose bushes that adorned the Prayer Garden. In October 2011, the camp's Executive Board voted to name the refurbished and enlarged activities building the Bynum Athletic Center, in honor of Cal and as representative of the many volunteers who have given so much to further the camp's ministry.
Cal & Louise
Cal married Louise Farrell on August 1, 1995, at Elmdale Baptist Church and moved into Abilene. Cal continued to serve at Elmdale Baptist Church and at BCBA. Louise's family joined in the BCBA volunteer work at the prayer garden, in the camp kitchen, and wherever needed. One of Cal's last endeavors was the Elmdale church's outreach ministry trailer/float that participates in various parades in the Abilene/Clyde area. In 2005, the Abilene Baptist Association honored Cal as the Layperson of the Year.
Cal--the Family Man and the Sportsman
While living in Clyde, Cal served as Band Booster President and Concession Stand Organizer; Goodfellows Christmas Drive Chairman; and as a member of the City Council from 1986 - 1992. He also umpired Pony League baseball in the 60's and 70's. Later, Cal supported the bands directed by son-in-law George/Buddy Strickland by grilling hamburgers at various band contests. Cal joined Louise as a volunteer at Abilene Regional Hospital and was best known for his "Ho, Ho, Ho" Christmas hat and singing carols at the entrance to Regional's Women's Center.
Cal shared yearly hunting trips first with brother Babe and daughter Melinda, and later, after teaching him to hunt, with son-in-law Buddy and grandson Jeremy; now great-grandson Kaden is a part of that family tradition. Cal spent many hours fishing and playing dominoes or 42 with Pansy and Johnny Anderson and grandkids Jacky, Calvin Neal (his namesake), & Tonya. Many family and friends' homes and the new Activity Center at Elmdale Baptist Church are adorned with items Cal created in his woodshop. He also enjoyed riding in the mule, fishing, gardening, and overseeing building projects with Louise's family at the Ranch near Talpa. He was a Dallas Cowboy and Texas Longhorn fan and had a memorable trip to the 2006 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, when the University of Texas won the National Championship.
Survivors include his wife, Louise of Abilene; daughter Melinda and husband George (Buddy) Strickland of Liberty Hill; daughter-in-law Pansy Bynum Anderson and husband Johnny of Farmersville; 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; sister Mamie Gray of Abilene; brother Babe (A.T.) and wife Pat of Abilene; sister-in-law Veda Bynum of Potosi; sister-in-law Helen Mahoney & husband Bob of Madill, Oklahoma; and brother-in-law Harold Fleming and wife Barbara of Branson, Missouri. Surviving Cal from the Farrell family include daughters Brenda Darnell and husband Carl of Talpa and Sandy Russell and husband Roy of Pinch, West Virginia; son Hobert Farrell and wife Carol of Longview; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie & CoraLee Bynum; his wife of 47 years, Ina Mae, and their son, Larry; brothers Preston, Hoyt, Pete and Bill; sister Ruby Wiltrout; great-grandson Noah Bascom Bynum (his namesake); nephew Mark Bynum; and from the Farrell family, granddaughter Marilyn Darnell Johnson; and great-great-granddaughter Caitlyn Reed.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Cal Bynum, Jacky Bynum, and Jeremy Strickland; and great-grandsons Sean Bynum, Ryan Bynum, Brent Hamilton, Kaden Strickland, and Casey Price. Honorary pallbearers will be Vinson Higginbotham, Tommy Thomason, Carl Higginbotham, Trennon Cauthen, John Farrell, & David Farrell.
Memorial contributions may be made to Big Country Baptist Assembly, P.O. Box 248, Lueders, TX 79533; Mesa Springs Employee Fund, 7171 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79606; Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartfold St., Abilene, TX 79605; or a charity of choice .
The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Anton Melnyk of Texas Oncology in Abilene, the nurses and staff of Mesa Springs Nursing Home, the staff of Hospice of the Big Country, and the many friends and family who have ministered to Cal and family during the past months.
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. - Proverbs 21:21 (from BCBA recognition of Cal in 2010). He certainly had a life well lived, and to God be the glory!
Online condolences may be made at www.baileyhowardfuneralhome.com.
Published in Abilene Reporter-News on January 13, 2012
A celebration of Calvin Bascom Bynum's life of 87 years will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the Potosi Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Cheatham, Rev. Glenn Ward, and Larry Searcy officiating. Music will be provided by Ed and Terri Miller and Nancy Chrismer. Interment will follow at Potosi Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Bailey-Howard Funeral Home in Clyde. Visitation will be Friday evening, January 13, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the funeral home.
Calvin "Cal" Bynum was born on December 30, 1924, in Potosi, Texas, the seventh of eight children of Charlie & CoraLee Bynum. Cal graduated from Eula High School in 1942 and continued to help his dad and younger brother Bill with the cotton fields after his older brothers left to join various military forces.
A Merchant Marine
When the 1944 crop harvest was complete, Cal left with several other Potosi boys to join the Merchant Marines. Cal did not have a middle name because his mother would not allow his name to be Calvin Coolidge Bynum; however, the Merchant Marines required a middle name, so he took his dad's middle name when enlisting. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to Abilene where he took various business courses at Draughon Business College and worked at White's Auto Store.
Cal & Ina
Cal and Ina Mae Fleming had their first date on December 6, 1946, and were married on July 25, 1947, in Abilene; Cal soon adopted Ina's young son Larry as his own. Melinda June was born in 1954. By that time, Cal was in business with his brothers and a brother-in-law as Bynum Brothers; they had a storage business and eventually Babe and Cal worked together for Acme Freight until 1972. After another short stint with White's Auto in Clyde, Cal became the Snap-on Tool dealer for the north side of Abilene, Stamford, Anson, & Haskell, and again, was in the same business as Babe. He retired from Snap-on in 1983.
A Man of God
Cal was saved as a young boy at Potosi Methodist Church, but his lifelong dedication to the Lord and His church began in earnest when Cal was baptized at Abilene's Elmwood Baptist Church in 1949. He was ordained as a Baptist deacon by the same church in 1951. When the Bynums moved to Clyde in 1958, they joined First Baptist Church (FBC) where Cal served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and a member of various committees.
When FBC Clyde decided to start a mission church on Gashouse Road, Cal and Ina felt God's leadership to participate in that endeavor; therefore, Cal, Ina, and Melinda were charter members of Cherry Heights Baptist Church (CHBC) in 1961. Cal literally had a part in building every structure of that church, was a strong encouragement and support for the Hardin-Simmons University student ministers who served at CHBC, and served on most every committee at some time. Cal was involved in Texas partnership mission endeavors in Washington & Minnesota, Rio Grande River area, and the island of St. Kitts in the British West Indies. Just months before Ina went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 1992, Cal and Ina joined Elmdale Baptist Church.
Cal's main goal in life was sharing his faith as recently evidenced by the many lives he touched while dealing with the treatment and decline of the final cancer diagnosis. Over the years, Cal kept a list in his Bible of men for whom he was praying, and most of them found a new or renewed life in Christ and His church while included on that list.
Big Country Baptist Assembly
Calvin also began his involvement with Lueders Baptist Encampment, now known as Big Country Baptist Assembly (BCBA), in the early 50's. In October 2010, he was honored for 30 years of service on the camp's Executive Board and more than 60 years of connection to the camp; camp manager Larry Searcy credits Cal and his prayer life with the camp's current expansion because of his leadership on the Executive Board during the camp's lean years. He and wife Ina also volunteered many, many hours at the camp; using a portable cement mixer and a wheelbarrow, Cal spent three years building the concrete seating in the Prayer Garden. The Bynums planted and tended the many plants and rose bushes that adorned the Prayer Garden. In October 2011, the camp's Executive Board voted to name the refurbished and enlarged activities building the Bynum Athletic Center, in honor of Cal and as representative of the many volunteers who have given so much to further the camp's ministry.
Cal & Louise
Cal married Louise Farrell on August 1, 1995, at Elmdale Baptist Church and moved into Abilene. Cal continued to serve at Elmdale Baptist Church and at BCBA. Louise's family joined in the BCBA volunteer work at the prayer garden, in the camp kitchen, and wherever needed. One of Cal's last endeavors was the Elmdale church's outreach ministry trailer/float that participates in various parades in the Abilene/Clyde area. In 2005, the Abilene Baptist Association honored Cal as the Layperson of the Year.
Cal--the Family Man and the Sportsman
While living in Clyde, Cal served as Band Booster President and Concession Stand Organizer; Goodfellows Christmas Drive Chairman; and as a member of the City Council from 1986 - 1992. He also umpired Pony League baseball in the 60's and 70's. Later, Cal supported the bands directed by son-in-law George/Buddy Strickland by grilling hamburgers at various band contests. Cal joined Louise as a volunteer at Abilene Regional Hospital and was best known for his "Ho, Ho, Ho" Christmas hat and singing carols at the entrance to Regional's Women's Center.
Cal shared yearly hunting trips first with brother Babe and daughter Melinda, and later, after teaching him to hunt, with son-in-law Buddy and grandson Jeremy; now great-grandson Kaden is a part of that family tradition. Cal spent many hours fishing and playing dominoes or 42 with Pansy and Johnny Anderson and grandkids Jacky, Calvin Neal (his namesake), & Tonya. Many family and friends' homes and the new Activity Center at Elmdale Baptist Church are adorned with items Cal created in his woodshop. He also enjoyed riding in the mule, fishing, gardening, and overseeing building projects with Louise's family at the Ranch near Talpa. He was a Dallas Cowboy and Texas Longhorn fan and had a memorable trip to the 2006 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, when the University of Texas won the National Championship.
Survivors include his wife, Louise of Abilene; daughter Melinda and husband George (Buddy) Strickland of Liberty Hill; daughter-in-law Pansy Bynum Anderson and husband Johnny of Farmersville; 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; sister Mamie Gray of Abilene; brother Babe (A.T.) and wife Pat of Abilene; sister-in-law Veda Bynum of Potosi; sister-in-law Helen Mahoney & husband Bob of Madill, Oklahoma; and brother-in-law Harold Fleming and wife Barbara of Branson, Missouri. Surviving Cal from the Farrell family include daughters Brenda Darnell and husband Carl of Talpa and Sandy Russell and husband Roy of Pinch, West Virginia; son Hobert Farrell and wife Carol of Longview; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie & CoraLee Bynum; his wife of 47 years, Ina Mae, and their son, Larry; brothers Preston, Hoyt, Pete and Bill; sister Ruby Wiltrout; great-grandson Noah Bascom Bynum (his namesake); nephew Mark Bynum; and from the Farrell family, granddaughter Marilyn Darnell Johnson; and great-great-granddaughter Caitlyn Reed.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Cal Bynum, Jacky Bynum, and Jeremy Strickland; and great-grandsons Sean Bynum, Ryan Bynum, Brent Hamilton, Kaden Strickland, and Casey Price. Honorary pallbearers will be Vinson Higginbotham, Tommy Thomason, Carl Higginbotham, Trennon Cauthen, John Farrell, & David Farrell.
Memorial contributions may be made to Big Country Baptist Assembly, P.O. Box 248, Lueders, TX 79533; Mesa Springs Employee Fund, 7171 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79606; Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartfold St., Abilene, TX 79605; or a charity of choice .
The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Anton Melnyk of Texas Oncology in Abilene, the nurses and staff of Mesa Springs Nursing Home, the staff of Hospice of the Big Country, and the many friends and family who have ministered to Cal and family during the past months.
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. - Proverbs 21:21 (from BCBA recognition of Cal in 2010). He certainly had a life well lived, and to God be the glory!
Online condolences may be made at www.baileyhowardfuneralhome.com.
Published in Abilene Reporter-News on January 13, 2012
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