Graveside services for Claude E. Binkley of Sherman, 89 year-old retired Levi-Strauss employee, will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010 at Cedarlawn Memorial Park. Rev. Ken Dacus of Victory Baptist Church will officiate, and arrangements are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home. 
He passed away Friday, Jan. 1, 2010 at Wilson He passed away Friday, Jan. 1, 2010 at Wilson N. Jones Medical Center. 
Claude was born July 7, 1920 in Leacock, Lancaster County, Pa., the son of Ira and Amanda Binkley. He grew up in Lancaster and served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II in the 91st Fighter Squadron as an airplane mechanic. Prior to his honorable discharge in December 1945 he was transferred to Perrin Air Force Base where he met and eventually married Jewel Vieva Thompson on March 7, 1943 in Sherman. He later went to work for Levi-Strauss Co. in Denison as a mechanic and served the company 35 years, retiring in 1983. 
Claude enjoyed fishing, playing dominoes at the Senior Activity Center in Whitewright and Tom Bean, and in recent years watching western movies. 
He is survived a son, Claude Binkley Jr. and wife Delores of Sherman; granddaughter, Kathy Watson of Sherman; great granddaughters, Christey Watson of Sherman and Jessica Riddels and husband Cassey and family of Whitesboro; nephews, James Shiplet and wife Tona and family of Whitewright and James Binkley and family of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 65 years, brother, Ira (Sonny) Binkley, Jr., sisters, Dorothy, Ruth, Esther and Edna and a great-grandson, Jeremy Allen. 
The family will receive friends from 6 -8 p.m. Monday at Waldo Funeral Home.