Obituary- Archon Al Bynum
Life-long educator Archon Alvin Stanley Bynum, 88, of Alpha Eta Boulé, Indianapolis, passed into Eternal Life, on Friday, December 19, 2014.
Archon Bynum 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 (Indianapolis), 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.
Archon Bynum 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 was a docent for the Indianapolis Museum of Art for more than a decade. He also served on the boards of the Family Service Association, the United Way, Crossroads Association, CICOA, Horizon House, 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. He was a long-time member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, where he was initiated into the Alpha Eta Boulé in 1991. A true family man, he was devoted to his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He loved classical music and jazz, and traveled extensively.
In his early years, 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.
Archon Bynum was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Archousa 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.