Kenneth S. Bina

Kenneth “Ken” S. Bina, 78, of Topeka, passed away on March 27, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ken was born on December 31, 1947 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Thomas and Margaret Bina. He graduated from Warren Travis White High School in Dallas, Texas in 1966 and attended North Texas College from 1967 to 1968. During this time, he pursued his passion for aviation, attending pilot school in Florida and graduating in 1969.

On July 7, 1973, Ken married the love of his life, Judy (Eisenbarth) Bina. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage building a life filled with love, laughter and unwavering devotion to family.

In 1970, Ken began his career with the Topeka Police Department. Just one year later he became a pilot officer and helped establish the Topeka Police helicopter unit—an accomplishment that reflected both his intelligence and pioneering spirit. Flying became one of Ken’s greatest passions and he loved serving the community from above. In 1996, he was promoted to sergeant, recognizing his leadership, dedication and expertise. He proudly served his community for 30 years before retiring from the police department in 2000.

After retiring from the police department, Ken continued to stay active in his community as a security guard at Blue Cross Blue Shield, a position he held until his final retirement in 2012.

Ken’s love of aviation extended far beyond his job. He spent countless hours building and flying model airplanes, often sharing his knowledge and excitement with his grandsons. The thrill of flight—whether in his helicopter at work or a model in his workshop—brought him unmatched joy throughout his life.

Ken was a true “jack of all trades”—incredibly intelligent, endlessly curious, and able to fix just about anything. A true lifelong learner, Ken even taught himself how to play the banjo and electric guitar. He lived an interesting life full of stories which he loved to share, often with a well-timed joke. His sense of humor and love of laughter left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He often said, “You have to grow old but, you don’t have to grow up,” a motto he truly lived by.

Ken was a proud dad and grandpa. He could not talk enough about the accomplishments of his daughter, Pam. He adored his three grandsons—Landon, Camden, and Owen—and loved teaching them, showing them his airplanes in his workshop and sharing special moments together. One of his favorite traditions was buying fireworks for the 4th of July, delighting in their excitement and laughter.

In his free time, Ken also created stained glass windows, fished and enjoyed playing cards with friends. He spent 10 wonderful years with his companion and best friend, Tobey, his Yorkshire terrier, with whom he did everything and went everywhere.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Bina, his daughter, Pam Carter (Keith) of Olathe, Kansas and his three grandsons, Landon, Camden, and Owen Carter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Margaret Bina, his sister, Pat Bina and his grandson, Noah Carter.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, with a Rosary prayed at 6:00pm, Thursday, April 9, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Friday, April 10, at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church. Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Gardens in Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ken’s memory to The American Heart Association or Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.

Ken’s laughter, stories and love of flight will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, reminding us to always cherish life—and never stop having fun along the way.