Obituary for Dean Bishop

Dean Bishop – Veteran

(November 5, 1924 – August 26, 2016)

Orvil Dean Bishop of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died early Friday morning, August 26, 2016, at his son’s home in Ponca City at the age of 91 years.

Orvil Dean Bishop was born on November 5, 1924, in Anthony, Kansas, to Emzy and Myrtle (Michaels) Bishop. He grew up in Anthony and graduated from Anthony High School in 1942. Following his education he entered the United States Army on March 11, 1943, serving during World War II as a radio operator. He participated as a Pfc. in battles at Normandy, Rhineland and Ardennes and received the Purple Heart for his bravery and valor. He was honorably discharged on October 21, 1945, and returned to Oklahoma and later married Betty Jean Ellington on September 1, 1946, in Wellington, Kansas. They made their home in Blackwell where he worked at a local brick factory and United States Postal Service before beginning his career as a maintenance supervisor with the Blackwell Zinc Company in 1946. In 1972 they moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he continued to work for the AMAX Corporation before retiring in 1986. After retirement the couple returned to Blackwell to make their home. His wife preceded him in death on October 20, 2009. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Blackwell and the local Smelter Union. He enjoyed making birdhouses and was an avid train enthusiast. He also loved to watch the St. Louis Cardinal baseball team as well as Oklahoma and Oklahoma State athletics. The joy of his life came in spending time with family and friends, including his running mate, Jim Frazier.

He is survived by two sons, Steven Bishop and wife Janet of Ponca City and Michael Bishop and wife Margaret of Blackwell; a sister, Nellie Faye Vandenhout of California; a brother, Richard Bishop of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren, Cynthia Khan and husband Saqib of Broken Arrow, Angela Betz and husband Gary of Ardmore, Melissa Palma and husband Paul of Tonkawa, and Deborah Watkins and husband Mike of Ponca City; great grandchildren, Matthew Randall and Sabine Khan of Broken Arrow, Meagan Betz of Ardmore, and Tyler Watkins of Ponca City; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Gertrude Kincheloe, Sara Mortimer and Thelma Atkisson; and two brothers, Harlan and Howard Bishop.

Graveside services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 30th in the Forest Park Cemetery in Anthony, Kansas, with Rev. Milo Davis of Christ’s Church in Blackwell officiating.

Honorary casketbearers will be Steve Bishop, Mike Bishop, Saqib Khan, Gary Betz, Mike Watkins and Paul Palma.

A memorial has been established in his honor with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.