Obituary for Donald Bishop

Ponca City Now - October 13, 2019 12:18 pm

Donald Bishop

July 12, 1934 – October 11, 2019

Donald Allen Bishop, age 85, of Ponca City, Oklahoma passed away at home on October 10, 2019. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 18, 2019, at Grace Episcopal Church with Deacon Steve Mallory officiating.

Don was born on July 12, 1934, in Watonga, Oklahoma to Everette Glen and Frances Christine (Padgett) Bishop. He graduated high school in Beaver, OK with the class of 1952. He attended Oklahoma A & M where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

He was drafted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged from the service with the rank of Specialist 4 in 1958. While serving in the army, he was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO, Fort Sheridan in Illinois and Korea.

After his Army service, he moved to Ponca City, OK where he worked at the Western Auto with his parents. Don married Sandra Lou (Harmon) on July 19, 1964, in Amherst, Texas. Don worked as a salesman for many years working at Smitty’s, Paris Furniture, and John’s.

Many people will remember him on the stage at The Ponca Playhouse and The Poncan Theater. He was in so many productions that it is impossible to name them all; however, some of his most memorable performances were “Over the River”, “The Imaginary Invalid”, “Mr. Roberts” and “Four Grumpy Old Men”. Don also enjoyed being behind the scenes as a director, set designer, set builder, and stage manager. He served on the board of The Poncan during its renovation.

Don was a faithful member of Grace Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry. He was a member of AMBUCS, Friends of the Library and Ponca City Main Street. Don also enjoyed doing yard work. He was very outgoing and friendly; never meeting a stranger.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy, of the home; son, Corky and his wife, Phyllis; daughter, Lou White and her husband Doug; son, Tim and his wife Connie, son, Kenton and his wife Laura; and 8 grandchildren.

Preceding in death were his parents and his brothers, Glen and Loyd.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601. The family would like for you to leave memories of Don at www.troutfuneralhome.com

Source: Trout Funeral Home