Jerold Binkley, Tulip Time founder, dies at 84

Jerold A. Binkley, 84, founder of Tulip Time and co-founder of the Ken Berry League, has died.

According to the obituary, Binkley was born March 20, 1934, in Topeka, the son of Fred and Flo Cunningham Binkley. He graduated from Nortonville High School in 1951. Jerold married Joan McCoy at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nortonville, Kansas, on April 16, 1955.

Binkley was the owner of Binkley’s Tire and Service Centers and was also a member and past president of the Topeka Beautification Association.

Binkley was dedicated to the beautification of his community, and once said, “Heaven, to me, would be 20 acres of rocky ground and they’d give me a pick and a shovel, a little rain once in a while and some flower seeds. And when I got that done, they’d give me another 20 acres and I’d keep going forever.”

Binkley is survived by his wife, Joan, children Sherry Clayton, Mike Binkley, Rick Binkley, and Gregg Binkley. He also leaves behind several grand and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11 at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Rosary will be prayed 10 a.m. Thursday, April 12 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka KS 66614. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial to follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Friends of Ted Ensley Gardens (FOTEG), or Topeka Beautification Association (TBA), sent in care of the funeral home.