It’s a local love story six decades in the making—one that has taken Dallas and Judy Binger across the country, around the world, and ultimately back to their roots in Britton. The couple will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 31, a milestone they say is marked by mutual support, shared adventures, and unwavering love.
High school sweethearts, Dallas and Judy began dating the summer before his junior year and her senior year at Britton High School. Judy graduated as valedictorian in 1961 and went on to attend Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen. Dallas graduated in 1962 as class president and enrolled at South Dakota State University in Brookings. The couple got engaged in 1963.
Shortly after, Dallas boarded a Greyhound bus for Los Angeles to begin the rigorous application process to join the LAPD. He turned 21 just in time to enter the police academy in April 1965, while Judy completed her degree in education.
With a wedding date finally in reach, Judy planned their ceremony while Dallas finished training. After graduating from the academy, he returned home, and the couple were married on July 31, 1965. They drove back to California together, where Judy had secured a teaching position and the newlyweds settled into an apartment just across from Knott’s Berry Farm.
They would go on to raise three sons—Trent, Rhett, and Bryce—and build a life filled with hard work, family, and travel. Judy left teaching after nine years to focus on raising their boys. “We believed it was important that she be there when they came home from school,” said Dallas. When the boys reached high school, Judy began working as a travel agent, sparking a passion for travel that would take them to all 50 states, 53 countries, and every continent.
“We did things together as a family,” said Dallas, who emphasized the importance of making time for one another. Each summer, they returned to South Dakota, taking new routes each time to explore national parks and historical landmarks. The family of five even rode motorcycles together across the desert.
Dallas served 30 years with the LAPD, working many of those years as a detective or undercover. The couple lived in La Palma, California, for 48 years, spent six years full-time in an RV, and now reside in Britton full-time after building a home there in 2018.
All three of their sons served in the Air Force, and they now enjoy visits from their eight grandchildren. Two sons live in the Kansas City area and one in Sacramento.
Reflecting on what’s kept their marriage strong, Dallas said, “Police officers often have relationship problems. I learned to not take the job home with me, and Judy was always very supportive.” He added, “Do things together as a family and as a couple as often as you can. Make time for family. Be willing to talk things over. Relationships need give and take.”
In 2004, Judy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As her condition has progressed, Dallas has taken on the role of caregiver. It’s not always easy, he admits, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’m just doing for her what I figure she would do for me,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the two remain active in their community and continue to attend local events. “It’s important to us to keep going out—especially to Judy,” Dallas said.
“We’ve been in love the whole time,” he added.
Friends and family are invited to send well wishes for the Bingers’ 60th anniversary to: PO Box 925, Britton, SD 57430.
