PIERRE, SD – Kenneth “Ken” James Binkley, 92, of Roswell, Georgia, died peacefully in his home on July 14, 2025, from complications related to bladder cancer. Visitation and program will begin at Isburg Funeral Chapel at 10:00 a.m. on August 7, 2025. Burial services will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Pierre, South Dakota.

Ken was born on January 8, 1933 in Pierre, South Dakota, son of Arlos and Genevieve (Eldridge) Binkley. He grew up working on the family farm in Sully County and graduated from Pierre High School in 1951. Ken attended South Dakota State University (SDSU) part-time from 1951-1954 earning his associate’s degree. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart and life-long love, Ina (Garrett) Binkley in Fort Pierre, South Dakota on September 8, 1953. In October 1954, Ken enlisted in the army and completed basic training and radar school at Ft. Bliss, Texas. The following year in March, he was stationed at the Panama Canal Zone, and Ina and family later joined him in June. After his military service, Ken returned to SDSU and earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics in June 1958 and a Master of Science in Economics in June 1959. Equitable Life Insurance hired him as an appraiser in the Farm Mortgage Department and the family relocated with the company to Iowa, New Jersey, and finally Georgia. Working for Equitable his entire 35-year career, he retired as a Senior Vice President of Marketing in July 1994. An avid golfer, reader, and gardener, Ken was also a traveler, taking his family across the country on trips, going on cruises with Ina, and visiting her favorite place, Disney World. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Ken is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ina, and their five children, Lisa (Dayton) Alsaker and their three children Kelly, Jessica and Cody; Mark (Teresa) and their two children Laura and Steve; Tim and his two children Brian and Andy; Julie (Jim) Holmes and their three children Eric, Kyle and Kevin; and Linda (Bob) Mulvihill and their two children Ryan and Matthew. He is survived by ten great-grandchildren: Anders, Eli, Tyler, Alexa, Oscar, Felix, Linus, Lena, Leif, and Brady. He is also survived by his sister Patricia (Homer) Harding of Pierre, SD. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Richard (Dick) and Robert (Bob).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the South Dakota State University Foundation under the heading “McCrory Gardens – Excellence Fund” at www.sdstatefoundation.org.

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