John Ira Bishop, 82, El Dorado Springs, passed away at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs on Dec. 2, 2010, just three days short of his 83rd birthday. He was born Dec. 5, 1927, to Finis Bishop and Lilly Henson Bishop in Greenfield. John was raised on a farm southwest of Stockton.
John accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior during a lay renewal at Union Hall Baptist Church on Jan. 27, 1985. He remained a member for the duration of his life. John and Bonnie continued attending church there until his health no longer permitted.
John married Bonnie Lee Butler on July 29, 1950. He often said he had to borrow $5 from his Uncle Yul to get married. From this union one daughter was born, Nelmay June Bishop Vilhauer.
John and Bonnie lived in the Stockton and El Dorado Springs areas all their lives. During his younger days, John would work the Kansas wheat harvest. John worked for several businesses in the area. He was most noted for his years working for
International Shoe Co., working his way to maintenance supervisor. After the plant closed, John worked for the State Hospital in Nevada as a maintenance worker.
In addition to his “day” job, John was always trading calves, farming, building or remodeling houses and cutting wood or logs. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed beekeeping.
He was a cook in the Army during the Korean Conflict and so he always had to cook the fish for family meals.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Finis and Lilly Bishop; granddaughter, Stephanie Renee Vilhauer; one sister, Hazel June; and many other uncles, aunts, cousins and brother-in-laws.
Surviving family include his wife, Bonnie Bishop, of the home; daughter, Nelmay Bishop Vilhauer, and husband, Stanley - El Dorado Springs; grandson and wife, John and Molly Vilhauer - Chicago, IL; many cousins and brother-in-laws.
Services were held Sunday, Dec. 5, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs with Pastor Brent Bland officiating. Suzanne Gladden and Cassie Sayler provided the music. Interment followed in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were John Vilhauer, Stan Vilhauer, Eber Butler, Chad Butler, Frank Butler and Larry Shearburn. Honorary pallbearers were John Janes, W.D. Eason, Donnie Fletcher, Alvin Dody, Jimmie Nichols and Stevie Barger.
