Alvin Bynum

Alvin Stanley Bynum, 88, passed into Eternal Life, on Friday, December 19, 2014. He was a life-long educator and champion of young people. He retired as Dean Emeritus of the Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis University Division, where he provided counseling for thousands of students over the years. His previous employment included serving as Assistant to the President of Dillard University, a program director at Flanner House, Research Director for the Indiana Youth Council, and Associate Director of the Indianapolis Pre-Schools. He earned degrees from Dillard University (New Orleans, LA) and Butler University. In 1990, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Marian College, where he served on the Board of Trustees. He was a dedicated member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church for more than 53 years. During that time, he served on the Parish Council, the parish school board, numerous parish committees and as an Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He further dedicated his life to Christ by becoming an Oblate of St. Benedict, St. Meinrad Archabbey, in 2002. He served his community on numerous boards and through personal dedication of time. He was a long-time member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. He was a docent for the Indianapolis Museum of Art for more than a decade. He was a dedicated Red Cross blood donor and frequently solicited donations of new socks from his friends and acquaintances for the homeless. He also served on the boards of the Family Service Association, The United Way, Crossroads Association, CICOA, Horizon House (volunteer), Butler Tarkington Neighborhood Association, SHARP Neighborhood Association and Catholic Social Services. He loved to write and often shared short stories and poetry with his family and friends. He authored Black Student/ White Counselor in 1987 to encourage better understanding of black college students and their challenges in college. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps with the 1866th Engineer Aviation Battalion and was eventually promoted to Battalion Sergeant Major. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Marie Sherrod Bynum; his parents, Henry and Amanda (Medlock) Bynum; and his brothers, Bernard Bynum Sr., Horace Bynum Sr., and Alden Bynum Sr. He is survived by his two daughters, Lynn Bynum McHenry (Louis) and Lisa Bynum Walton (Gregory); three grandchildren: Dana Walton, Shelby Walton and Louis Porter McHenry III; and a niece and five nephews. He was a true family man, who was devoted to his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He loved classical music and jazz, and traveled extensively. His funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 4625 N. Kenwood Avenue, Indianapolis, with entombment at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2014, at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Home, 1305 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Alvin's name may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School.