Reverend John Clayton Binkley, 73, of Palmyra, passed away on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, at the M.S. Hershey Medical Center. He is survived by his loving wife of over 53 years, Elizabeth A. (Garmirian) Binkley.
Born in Terre Hill, PA, on April 26th, 1949, he was the son of the late Ira J. and Pauline (Nolt) Binkley.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are three children, John Christian Binkley, husband of Barbara, of Lebanon, Matthew J. Binkley, husband of Deidre, of Groton, Connecticut, Cynthia L. Snavely, wife of Mark, of Lebanon, a brother, James Binkley, husband of Kathy, of Campbelltown, a sister, Joan Good, wife of Dwight, of New Holland, and six grandchildren, Chloe Froton, Madison Binkley, Devyn Binkley, Alexis Binkley, Elise Snavely, and Evan Snavely.
John graduated from Elizabethtown College with a BS in History in 1971. Later, he went to Lancaster Theological Seminary and graduated with a master’s degree in divinity in 1980. He was a pastor at several different churches in the area. He also served as a volunteer EMT in Hellam, PA, did substitute teaching on his day off, and was a tour guide at Indian Echo Caverns. When he retired, he served as an interim at other local churches and helped with several cat rescue groups while fostering cats and kittens with his wife. He loved fishing, hiking, and spending time at the Binkley cabin in Adam’s County. He also enjoyed reading and being with his family and friends and his cats and dogs.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Trinity United Church of Christ, 40 W. Pine St, Palmyra, PA 17078. There will be a light luncheon following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501
St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Cocoa Kitties, 862 E. Chocolate Ave,
Hershey, PA 17033, in his memory.
Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, Annville is handling arrangements.
