Joe came into our family as a friend of our parents but he quickly became "Uncle Joe"!  He was such an awesome part of so many family memories!  There were six of us "Binder" kids and I know we each have favorite memories of our weekends & times with Joe!  He brought so much fun and laughter to our family and shared  good times as well as difficult times with us all!!  I would like to share one of my favorite memories of Joe and our family.  As many of you are aware we have a handicapped brother - Richard who just adored Joe!  One Christmas when we were all very young Joe dressed up as Santa Claus & came to visit us with a big bag of Christmas Gifts.  We were all so excited that Santa had come to our house!!  Richard on the other hand walked up to "Santa" and said: "I know that is you Joe Birmingham I see your shoes!!"  He couldn't fool Richard - Rich  would recognize his Joe anywhere!!

He will truly be missed!  There were times through the years that we lost contact with Joe but over that last few years Joe was always a part of the "The Binder Family Christmas".  Sadly he was unable to make it this year because he wasn't feeling up to it.... I think we all believed we would see him next year!

Joe we love you very much and are so grateful that you were a part of our family all those years!  Thank you for the laughter, the friendship and of course all the "Ed & Joes" pizza!

Love,

Cheryl (Binder) Schmidt