of Little Rock, AR
October 2, 1942 - June 24, 2015
John A.Binz was born at St. Vincent in Little Rock on October 2, 1942. John started working part time at the age of 12 for his grandfather, father and uncle who started Herman Binz and Sons Iron Works in 1954. The company supplied primarily ornamental iron for residential and homebuilders needs. When John got his business degree from UALR he chose to stay with the family company and in the mid 80's decided to steer into the commercial structural steel business. In 1991 he built a structural steel plant in the LR River port area. With the help of his brothers and three dedicated sons, the company became a major structural steel supplier for projects around the country. Local landmark projects included the Jack T Stephens Spine Center (UAMS), Dickey Stephens Ball Park (NLR) , Heart Hospital (LR), Axiom Building (Downtown LR). Clinton Children's Library (LR) and countless others. He was a former member of the LR Executive Association & Catholic Diocese Construction Board for the state of Arkansas. He was a fourth degree member of Knights of Columbus, member of Associated Builders and Contractors and President of the men's club of St. Edwards Parish. John enjoyed working at his garden near Old River Lake (Scott, AR) and was an avid fisherman. He was a great Dad and Husband. We will miss him sorely. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Fern Binz, five children; Terry Binz (Paula), Steve Binz (Dana), Angelia Haber (Brad), Christy Binz (Barry), Danny Binz (Lindsey); Brother and Sister David Binz, Carolyn Beck, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Virgie Binz, Brother, Phil Binz and Grandson, Mitchell Haber.
Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, June 29, 2015 at Christ The King Catholic Church with visitation Sunday, June 28, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 P.M., at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR, (501)224-8300.
Dear Fern, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Johnnie. He was a good man and a great businessman that Mike has kept in touch with for many years. We will never forget that I went into labor at your house. We have talked about that day many times over the years. Please accept our deepest sympathies & prayers.
Randy & I want to express our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Will never forget the good times shared, the laughs and especially John playing guitar with Randy - John's only had 2 strings! Cherish the memories! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
6/30/15 I was greatly saddened this morning to hear that Mr. John had passed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God's love surround and comfort you all.
This sums it up to me on John. There goes a good man. He will be missed.
I was so sad to read about John in the paper last week. He has always been one of my favorite members of the Little Rock Athletic Club. He kept our office supplied with his wonderful tomatoes in the summer!
I can see him and his distinct run on the indoor track now. He will be greatly missed by staff and members.
Sincerely,
Susan Garrett
Little Rock Athletic Club -Membership
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Remembering all the good tomes.
John was a great man and I was proud to call him a friend as well as a classmate. He built a great family and a great business. He is in a great place today. He will be missed.
Johnny and I go back a long time. Spent many nights at his home and cabin on Lake Conway and he at my house when we were kids. May he rest in peace.
Terry & family. We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers. John was such a kind person & will be missed in so many ways. I remember like it was yesterday that we started cleaning Binz & sons & we first met John. We only come once a week but John & all of the staff made us feel like family. John treated us fairly & always took the time to ask how we were doing, a character that unfortunately seems to be slipping away. I hope you & your family will draw strength knowing that John is undoubtedly in a better place. James & Janice
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please read John 5:28,29 to find a comforting thought.
To Fern and family, Johnny and I went through 12 years of school together and Marty and I were friends with the both of you until we moved to Tennessee and lost contact. I remember the fun times we had at Good Counsel and also the trouble he and I got into with the principal. He was always a good family man and I'm sure he will be missed. May he rest in peace.
I am so blessed that lil Johnny hired me almost 7 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. He will be missed. I know he is looking down and smiling.
To: Binz Family
You have my deepest sympathy. Thoughts and prayers be with you today and always. John was a great man who will be missed. So many memories of him will stay with me forever. God Bless.
We have been very blessed to be neighbors to John the last 3 years. We will miss his fishing tips and stories. We will have you in our thoughts and prayers. Rick and Karen Simpson
John was a customer of Circle B Cafe many, many years ago, he was well thought of by Harlan Holt, the owner, my mother, Joy, my sister, myself and several of the waitresses remember him with fondness as he was always so special,although he was ALWAYS Shirl Carr's REGULAR, and she would fight with you if she didn't get to wait on him! When it became Homer"s in the mid 80's he was still a regular, as was his brother Phil, who went to Good Counsel with George, my husband. Most all of these people will be greeting him, and showing him how awesome it is to be in Heaven. Our prayers go out to the family.
Terry, John was a wonderful friend and we will miss him greatly.
One of my favorite classmates... May he rest in peace in Heaven with God...
To John's family, my prayers are with you.
John and I went from first grade together at Our Lady of Good Counsel, through 12th grade at Catholic High.
We lost contact through the years, but today causes me to pause and reflect on friendships past. Rest in peace Johnnie.
Terry, Steve, Angie, Christy and Danny my deepest sympathy to you. Johnny was a great brother in law and brought so much life and humor to all that was around. My heart hurts for Fern. Love you all...
Gary and I send our love and deepest sympathy. My daughter-in-law, Angelia Haber, will miss her dad so very much as they had a special loving relationship. His grandson, Mitchell, was waiting with open arms when he arrived at the Golden Gates of Heaven - what a reunion they will have to together again.
with every good wish and our prayers
Terry,
God bless you and your family.
I pray you draw strength and comfort from family, friends and Jesus.
Take care,
Annette
You have our deepest sympathies. Will have you in our thoughts and prayers.
I have many fond memories of Uncle John. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. I will miss him dearly. He had the most awesome blackberries on the planet!
Friend, my hearts go out to you during this very sad time. You are each in my prayers.