of Conway, AR
August 13, 1947 - July 20, 2025
Donald Joe Bingham, a man of many talents and unwavering faith, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on August 13, 1947 in Huntsville, Alabama, he was a Conway resident for 50 years. Don was the beloved son of the late Hershel O. Bingham and Lila Bailey Bingham. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jerry.
Don is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Nancy Lynn Bingham of Conway, Arkansas and their five children, Jennifer (Jeremy), Jill (Kenny), Janna (Glen), Jessica (Daniel) and Joseph (Carrie). He leaves behind a cherished legacy in his 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and two more great-grandchildren on the way.
A man whose life was marked by creativity, compassion and service, Don earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Music from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee and also studied at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. His pursuit of excellence continued as he became a Certified Culinary Administrator and Executive Chef through the American Culinary Federation.
Don's talents were as diverse as they were exceptional. He began playing piano at an early age and was sharing his musical gifts publicly by the age of nine, becoming the church organist at twelve. He also was known for leading neighborhood sidewalk marching bands. For over 50 years, he served as a worship leader, teacher, author and conference speaker ministering to countless lives across the country.
Don had a heart for worship. One of Don's greatest joys was to help people understand and love worship. One of Don's favorite sayings was ''the reason for theology is doxology''.
Some of the ministries he participated in included teaching, counseling courses, prison inmate counseling and mission trips.
His distinguished career spanned ministry, music, media and culinary arts. Don served as Mansion Administrator for the Arkansas Governor's Mansion from 1999 to 2007 and again from 2015 to 2018 and later contributed his skills in event planning and development at the University of Central Arkansas.
As an award-winning chef, Don authored four cookbooks, owned Zinzendorf's Restaurant of Conway and was named 1995 Arkansas Chef of the Year. Don was also instrumental in the establishment of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Culinary Federation Apprenticeship Program. He shared his culinary talents through numerous television appearances, including "The 700 Club", AETN-"The ABC's of Cooking" Series, KATV and KTHV's weekly noon show with Beth Ward. He has also been a contributor of 501LIFE since 2008. His vibrant personality and innovative approach to cooking made him a beloved figure in both faith-based and culinary communities.
Through every chapter of his life, Don remained committed to serving others with his music, his words, his hospitality and above all, his heart.
Don Bingham's life was a beautiful symphony of service, creativity and love. His legacy will continue to echo in the lives he touched and the many hearts he inspired.
A celebration of Don's life will be held Friday, July 25th at 2 p.m. in the Burgess Auditorium, located inside the Cooper Building at Central Baptist College, 1501 College Avenue, Conway. Don loved flowers, but if you would rather make a donation, the family requests donations be made to the Grace Presbyterian Building Fund.
Sign Guestbook
71 Condolence(s)
Sammye Daniel Bates
Monday, July 28, 2025
Nancy and the rest of the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Don was such a big part of the Conway community. He was so talented in so many ways in which I know the Lord was honored. He was a big part of my life growing up. I haven't seen the family for many many years but my heartfelt sympathy goes to each one of you. God bless…..
Kenny and Dee Ness
Saturday, July 26, 2025
When I read ''The reason for theology is doxology'' in the obituary I smiled because I had just been the recipient of a God wink. Moments prior to that, I heard that Don passed away and I was was torn in the way that we are torn when good people go to be with the Lord: We don't know whether to be sad, or happy. Then out of nowhere ''Praise God from whom all blessings flow'' runs through my head, as if on a loop"The Doxology! That's the kind of thing Don did: Make even sad moments special. He was a blessing to so many of us, and he will be missed. Praying for peace of the family. Kenny and Dee Ness.
Shannon Chronister
Saturday, July 26, 2025
My prayers and condolences to Don's family. I'm imagining the joyous celebration in Heaven when Don came home. He preaches the Bible, plays instruments, sings, and he is a culinary chef. God bless.
Mary Linda Kennedy
Friday, July 25, 2025
Don was a true friend. Nothing more worthy might be said of a man. He inspired my faith when he led our worship. I'm grateful my path crossed with his and Nancy's beautiful lives.
Bob & Janice Laman
Friday, July 25, 2025
Nancy & family
Don was an amazing, energetic, talented, encouraging man who loved the Lord. We are privileged to have been a small part of his life during our time serving Arkansas.
We are so sorry to hear of his passing & sending you our love & prayers.
Cindy Beckman
Friday, July 25, 2025
Nancy and all the Bingham family, I am so sorry that you face the days ahead without Don. But someday… Heaven will be filled with glorious music and we will all sing together again!
It's been nearly 50 years since I joined the FBC youth choir and had to quickly memorize ''In God We Trust'' so I could go sing with the choir in Faulk, AR. That began what would become a memorable few years of bus trips to Orlando, Gatlinburg, Albuquerque, etc. Then came the years of weekly quiche lunches at Zinzendorfs. Of late, I enjoyed our impromptu meetings at the Wagon Wheel. It is impossible to measure the impact on my life, and so many others.
Carolyn Setliff
Friday, July 25, 2025
Don Bingham was full of creativity and fun. He contributed so much in sharing his faith to all, in the way he lived his life. Surely he is enjoying being a member of the heavenly choir. He will be greatly missed.
Keith and Cindy (Duckett) Paxton
Friday, July 25, 2025
To Nancy and family:
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He meant so much to both of us. Don served the Lord with enthusiasm and love for the people of FBC Conway. He will be missed, but we look forward to the day we will see him again in glory. We are praying for you all to feel comfort and peace from our Lord.
Roe and Missy Henderson
Friday, July 25, 2025
Prayers for the family today and in the coming days, Don and you all have been a blessing in our lives for so many years - God bless you all! Memories of youth choir trips, The Sound of Music production, etc we have talked about this week - thank you! He and his creativity will be missed but also left such a great legacy with his family.
Nicole (Cotton) Leachman
Thursday, July 24, 2025
I have such wonderful memories of Don growing up! With us he always seemed to be by a piano and was just a force of calm. Don was a very generous and kind man and made everyone around him feel loved. I can still picture being a little girl with my family around Don and Nancy and that warming smile. Until we meet again kind sir! Much love
Iris Fason
Thursday, July 24, 2025
When I first moved to Conway. Don and Nancy wanted me to come work at Zinzindorf's. We had a wonderful time and lots of laughs and I thought the world of both of them. Prayers for this beautiful family
Renee Jeffery Smith
Thursday, July 24, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Don. He was a friend and inspiration. Sending prayers of comfort to family and friends.
Gene and Linda Manning
Thursday, July 24, 2025
We met Don shortly after moving to Conway, 47 years ago, when Linda began working at First Baptist Church as Church secretary. It did not take long to realize he was one of the most talented people we had ever met. His love for the Lord, and others, was immeasurable. Our friendship with him and Nancy has continued through the years. He will certainly be missed Our love and prayers for Nancy and the family.
Kay Herndon
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Words cannot convey the magnitude of Love and Awe that Larry and I hold for Don! We esteem him to be Such a Spectacular Gift from God to the Ecclesia in Faulkner County Arkansas and to the world! Please know that our Love and prayers are with All of his family and friends….he and his family have enriched All of the Larry Herndon family Beyond what words can convey since 1976, for 49 years!!! Half a Century!!!
SO MUCH LOVE FROM LARRY, KAY, TONIA, KARIN AND JODY….we are ALL deeply indebted to Don for ALL that he has done for us!
Kay Baldus
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
I send my love and condolences to Nancy, Jill and family. My heart is so full of things I would like to say about Don and what a great impact on so many phases on my life and my girls. He gave out family direction beginning back at that wonderful life we all shared at First Baptist Church. Nothing was or could have been more perfect. After those years Don spread himself in so many different directions, but always greeting you with his smile and loving ways. He helped me through many hard losses and showed me the way home. I feel so Blessed to have known him, so many will miss him, but we will smile knowing where he is. To Jill, your friendship has been a wonderful blessing in my life as well as your dads. Prayers for all!
Jim Guinee
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
I've never know a finer Christian in my life
James france and Rhonda dixon
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
This is Rhonda, James France's wife. We both loved Don so much. I will never forget when Jim had to retire unexpectedly, Don came to my office to hunt him down. Don was a special man and a friend to my husband! The last time I saw him was in Kroger and he looked great! I pray for The family to feel Gods arms around them and to have peace above all understanding! We ate so sorry for such a great loss!!
Judith L. Burgess
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord:
whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14:8
How very dear that we at Greenville Christian Fellowship Prayer Meeting prayed for all the dear families of Don tonight. How precious are the memories we all have of Don and Nancy...
Pete Tanguay
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
I am thankful I had the opportunity to know Don. He will be deeply missed, yet his legacy will live on, and on, and on. He always arrived with a smile and had something positive to say about something. Wishing peace to his family during this difficult time.
pam holloway
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Nancy and family, My thoughts and praye rs are with you in deepest sympathy.
Terri S. Maier
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Sending my prayers to your family during this difficult time. I always enjoyed watching Don, especially during his cooking segments, I even have a copy of his cookbook. May the peace of God surround and comfort each of you.
patrick w moore
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
met don way back in the day when uca employees went to work the aetn phones during the pledge nights for donations he seemed like a genuine man. watched his cooking show on aetn, noon cooking show on channel 11. rip.
Eileen Hauser
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Nancy & family,
So sorry for your loss.
Kay lynn mcfall
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
I worked closely with don at UCA. I loved him. He was an excellent human being. Im praying for The Lord's comfort to everyone that loved this wonderful man. What a huge loss for all of us.
Barry & Dana(Robbins)Smith
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Met this wonderful man at events, always had time to answer questions, great sense of humor, and really cared about people! Sorry to hear of his passing but know he is in Heaven explaining something in great detail! God Bless!
Allen Williamson
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
What a friend and brother. I love Don, Nancy and family and extended family! Have shared good times and some hard times. Prayed together, laughed together, and cried together. I am so grateful to have been able to have the friendship and relationship that we've had for over 40+ years!
Frances Ann Love
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Nancy & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss of such a great man. I loved working with him when he was at the mansion ,everytime he had a telephone problem he would call me because he thought I could fix anything. He fixed lunch for me a few times and when i helped with his voicemail I got a plate of his homemade chocolate chip cookies. I have thought and Don & Nancy so often my only regret is not getting one of his cookbooks. Nancy I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Frances Love
Dept Of Information Systems
Janet and David Crow
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Don Bingham certainly had a big impact in the city of Conway and beyond . We knew of him through First Baptist Church and served with he and Nancy on the K-Life Board years ago . David served with him on Renewal Ranch Board . As many have said, he was a man of many talents and abilities and shared them with excellence . Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bingham family . His Faith is sight now !
Mitzie Hubach
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Dear Bingham Family, Eddie and I are praying for you, we know that it will be only a short time and we will all be together again! ❤️
Wayne Cox
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
The Cox Family became friends with Don from eating his wonderful dishes. Don Bingham's food adorned our table for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My Mother loved Don. I know they have become reunited in Heaven. Don and Nancy have instructed me on cooking and great ideas and recipes. Don was a wonderful person, very talented not only with food but music as well.
Rita Halter Thomas
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Don made a great impact on this world, set the bar high leading by example, and will be dearly missed. I can only imagine the greeting he's received in Heaven. May God give you peace and comfort, and sustain you with glorious memories until you meet again.
Don and Kathy Hawkins
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Kathy and I her praying for Nancy and all Don's family. we are thankful for the way he used his many gifts and service to the Lord and people
Susan Hoggard
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Don was a loving, talented and Godly man who will be missed by many more than just his family.
Jeff Washburn
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Don was a kindhearted, loving man of God. He was encouraging to those around him and I was blessed with our time together at Family Life. God bless his family and all those who knew him.
Debra and Bob Rigdon
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
His music, passion and servants heart helped heal our hearts and seal them with our Lord. Music moves me. The timing of crossing his path was a God thing, and he made my heart sing when it was broken. Beauty in action and spirit 🙏🏻 I praise God for his life, and pray peace for his family
Bob and Debe Rigdon
Suzanne Kunkel
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Nancy and family,
My family knows all too well what it is to loose a beloved husband and father.
May the Lord bless and keep each one of you and make His face to shine upon you and give you peace .
I hold such fond memories of Br. Don at FBC, Smoking Oaks neighborhood, Zinzendorfs and his delicious hotdog breadsticks, and of course, the wonderful meals he prepared at the Governor's Mansion. I offer my sincere condolences as I lift up the family.
April Chatham-Carpenter
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
I have so many memories of this wonderful man and how he supported my family and love of music growing up. I loved being in youth choir, going on youth trips, and learning from him. He had such an impact on me from his time at FBC in Conway and even in the past year as we faced our own family's bout with cancer with my beloved sister, who was often accompanied by Don in her singing and violin playing over the years. We will all miss him greatly.
Jim and Charlsie Castleberry McBride
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
We extend our deepest condolences and prayers.
Mitch Manning
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
I was introduced to new experiences of worship and praise as a young teen by Don. Expressions TO and ABOUT God that would later inform 30+ years of ministry. I once watched him listen to a record, write the chord chart on an envelope, then walk into a service and play it better than the recording. He probably cooked like that as well! Thank you, God, for Don, Nancy and their family.
Mike and Leslie Manning
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
God only knows the impact that Don (and Nancy) have had on our lives...too much to say here. We are grateful for teaching us, for the first time, how to worship, how to love God and His Word, and how to love music even more. The effect has continued to this day. God's grace and peace to Nancy and the family.
Mike Ruesing
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Fond memories of choir with Don at the helm. A professional man but always a funny down home kind of man. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.
Noel & Ronda Boucher
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Don recorded traditional ''Ball Park'' organ music for us to play at home baseball games. Made all our games that much more enjoyable.
A great talent and a life well lived.
Ray Vardaman
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Don was a tremendous help to me many times during my tenure as a band director in Conway. I loved working with him in the music ministry at First Baptist Conway and treasured our time together in the community. A tremendous man of God and I loved the family dearly. Prayers and condolences!
Vickie Payne
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Sending prayers and condolences to the family I just spoke with Don about 3 weeks ago ran into him at neighborhood Walmart we went down memory lane when he owned Zinindorfs in Conway & cooked for UCA at Aramark. Rest in Paradise Don. 🕊️🙏🏾🕊️🥀🙏🏾❣️
Gary Richard Eyman
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
You will be missed old friend.
Bob Barham
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
A beautiful tribute! My deepest sympathy and prayers for this good family. Don will be missed by many.
Dianne Cox
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
I was so very privileged to know Don of this earth. He was a real gem and gentleman. His light shone brightly here and I know he is happy to reflect the radiance of our Lord in heaven. He will be greatly missed...for a little while.n"til we meet again.
Toni Burrows
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Praying Gods blessings of peace to you all!
Lee and Jerrianne Iseley
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Don, our wonderful brother-in-law brought depth to conversations, laughter, and special treats served! We met Don when we were all in high school at a special college weekend. We remember him playing the piano as many gathered around. Who knew that all of us would end up at the same college and that he would sweep Nancy off her feet! The two of them enjoyed ministry together. One incredible thing about Don Bingham was his never-say-never way of life! Every idea was accomplished with a special touch orchestrated by Don. Many people have been touched by his incredible talent. He will be missed at family gatherings. We were blessed to be a part of his life and ministry. Lee and Jerrianne Iseley.
Donna LaPlaunt
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
I am so sorry to read of the loss of a special man! Prayers and comfort for all his family and friends as they remember him at this time. Matthew 5:4: ''Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.''
Jan Sutterfield
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Don was one-of- a-kind wonderful! What a blessing & gift from God he was to all of us!
Hannah Hitchcox
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
I'm grateful to have grown up with such a powerful leader and kind man of many talents. He will be very missed and I'm sending love to his family.
Leah Roberts
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
I am sorry for the loss of Mr. Don. Many prayers for comfort in the days ahead. Love you all!
Joyce Kennedy
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
We list the most amazing man i have ever known. But I know he's handling things in heaven to perfection.
My prayers will continue to be with Nancy and the family as they go through this process.
I love you Nancy
Joyce Kennedy
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
We list the most amazing man i have ever known. But I know he's handling things in heaven to perfection.
My prayers will continue to be with Nancy and the family as they go through this process.
I love you Nancy
Mary lynn and Sheffield Nelson
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
What an absolutely wonderful renaissance man! We were fortunate enough to know Don and his wonderful creativity with food and music. He was such an example of living his faith. Nancy and family we will be holding you up in prayer.
Bill Ward
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Words fail me in describing such a spiritual and community leader as Don Bingham. He was everything and everywhere. I got to know him better when Suzy and I joined First Baptist Church, where he was worship leader. It was a close friendship thereafter. Don was plugged into life. Period. And excelled in everything he pursued. I will forever admire Don and his influence on life in my adopted hometown of Conway, Arkansas. My deep sympathy for his remarkable family. Memories continue to flood.
Jason Rapert
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
We are sorry to hear of Don's passing, but knowing Don and his love for the Lord I am confident he is enjoying the glories of Heaven right now.
I have known Don for many years and enjoyed helping him when he called on occasion. He was a good man who served others with honor.
We pray the Lord will comfort his family and friends during this time of sorrow.
Jason Rapert
Kathryn Woods
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
There are no words to fully express the impact Don Bingham and his entire family have had on our lives. I can't remember a time when they weren't a part of our story. To say he will be deeply missed is such an understatement. We love you all dearly and will continue lifting you up in prayer.❤️🙏🏻
Linda Sparrow
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Don and Nancy became sister and brother in christ long before I met the at Family Life Binle Church. I love knowing bot of them for several years. They have been a blessing in my life. G
Don will be missed greatly by all who know him. My prayers for Nancy and the rest of the family as they go through a grieving period. May God put his arms around each one of you and give you peace and comfort.
Alan and Julie Carmichael
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Our deepest condolences, asking God to comfort you in the days ahead as only He can. ''Well done, thou good and faithful servant.''
Jody and Carolyn Caviness
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
A great man of God, great friend and great leader. We will miss him immensely until we reunite with him before the throne of God.
Mark Hitchcox
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
My sincere condolences. The time I spent with Don will always be a cherished memory. He stands in my eye as the epitome of a worship leader. His talents went well beyond music & culinary, as his most profound impact would be through his ministry & heart for the Lord. He will be greatly missed.
Mary Catherine Flanagin Glover
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Praying for each of you! Don was a friend and mentor to so many of us!❤️🙏🏻
Don Morrow
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Don was a wonderful human being that will be missed. I always enjoyed a conversation with him. because I came away knowing more than I did before. A true renaissance man, there wasn't much he couldn't do or didn't know. The world has lost one of our truly good ones. My heart is heavy but my soul rejoices for having known him.
BrendaWell done, good and faithful servant. Smith
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter the joy of the Lord.
Fred and Dorothy Morlan
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
To all the family we pray for Blessings. So sorry for your loss l. To Jill we loved as our own and Garrett and Kenny. But to the rest of family we pray for your hurt and ask God to be with you. Mrs Bingham you are a special lady and you are loved dearly. We love you all so much !!! Love Fred and Dorothy
JJim Davidson
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Don was a good man and a great friend
Tamara and David Kent
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Don taught me so much about worship and singing over the years and I will never forget all he taught me. He was an integral part of my families life for so many years. I am deeply saddened that he is gone but I know he is rejoicing with our Savior. I won't be able to attend the service as we are out of the country but I will be thinking of all of you during this time.
Susie Clark
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
🙏🙏❤️
Sheila Jones-Hadaway
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Such a gifted and loving man. He will be missed.