Thomas Wilson Wyatt Binford ’46
Tom died Jan. 14, 1999, of a cerebral hemorrhage, in Indianapolis. He had lived and worked there his entire life, except for his years at Exeter, in the Army with South Pacific duty (1943-46) and at Princeton, which he entered in 1946.
Married just after Army duty, Tom returned to Princeton to graduate in 1948, magna cum laude in psychology. He entered his father's D-A Lubricant Co. in Indianapolis, becoming president. He also became head of Indiana Natl. Bank. He was acting president of DePauw U., president of the Indiana Pacers basketball team, and head of the U.S. Auto Club. For 22 years Tom was chief steward of the Indianapolis Speedway's 500-mile race. He served on some eight corporate boards and 25 civic and charitable boards, including the Urban League, which he cofounded.
Tom is survived by his wife, Kai, his children, Florence Kichler and Wilson, his stepchildren, Linda K. Miller and Bryan Irwin, a sister, Virginia, and grandchildren. To them all, the class extends its sympathy on the loss of an outstanding citizen, sportsman, and loyal Princetonian.
The Class of 1946
Paw in print

July 2025
On the cover: Wilton Virgo ’00 and his classmates celebrate during the P-rade.

0 Responses