David George Binder, 76 of Mexico, Mo., died July 1, 2013, in Mexico, Mo. He was born on Aug. 7, 1936, in East St. Louis, oldest child of the late Morris and Ruth Binder.

He was raised in Waterloo and attended both the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. It was at SIUC that he met his future wife, Sandra Kay Schmisseur, whom he married on Sept. 10, 1960.

After serving an internship with the Haskins and Sells accounting firm in St. Louis, David accepted a full time position with them upon his graduation from SIUC; he worked there until 1966. It was at this time he took a position with A.P. Green Refractories CO based in Mexico, Mo., where he would work until 1998.

In 1968, he was named Assistant Controller of A.P. Green Refractories (Canada) Ltd. During his time in Canada, he and his wife welcomed three children: Jeffrey, Michael and Angela. In 1976, Mr. Binder returned to Mexico, Mo., upon his promotion to Controller of A.P. Green Refractories CO, which was followed by a subsequent promotion in 1977 to Assistant Treasurer and Controller. He rose to the position of Vice President and Treasurer in 1982, and then Vice President and Controller in 1989. His final promotion in 1997 gave him responsibility for all financial matters of the company.

Mr. Binder was a charter member and past president of the Mexico Optimist Club. The club was an important part of his life and was a source of great joy and friendship over the many years he was active. One accomplishment of which he was most proud was the organization’s construction of the new youth baseball fields, which are still the home to the city’s youth baseball league. In addition, he was actively involved with the United Church of Christ in Mexico, where he served as President of the Board. He was also a member of the National Association of Accountants and the Financial Executives Institute.

In addition to his wife, Sandy, to whom he was married 52 years, he is also survived by two sons, Jeffrey (Lynne) of Webster Groves, Mo., and Michael (Debbie) of Zionsville, Ind.; a daughter, Angie of Kansas City, Mo.; as well as three grandchildren, John, Emma, and Isabella. He is also survived by his two brothers, Morris (Nina) of Waterloo, and Richard (Portia) of Smithton; and a sister, Judith (Bill) of Beaufort, S.C.

A celebration of life will be held this Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the family farm in Mexico, Mo.

Memorials may be made to the Mexico Optimist Club, c/o Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.

Arrangements by Arnold Funeral Home, Mexico, Mo.

Condolences may be made at www.arnoldfh.com.