Warren Bishop
June 25, 2012
Claude Warren Bishop, 90, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 25, 2012. Warren was born to Claude and Lenore Bishop on March 31, 1922 at his grandmother’s house in Norwalk. He attended Norwalk Consolidated School where he was always surrounded by lots of friends. On occasion, Warren and his friends even got in to a bit of mischief over what they thought was “good, clean fun.”
In 1942, at the age of 20, Warren joined the United States Army, serving in Europe during World War II. He left the service with the rank of Corporal in the 384th Field Artillery Battalion. And while he served his country proudly, Warren knew exactly the day he went in to the military, and exactly the day he was discharged with honors. After he returned from the war, Warren married his high school friend, Marilyn Wood, and they remained in Norwalk. The couple raised two daughters, Dellaine and Bobbie.
Warren learned from his parents, how to drive a truck at a very young age, so it was no surprise that after he returned from military service, he returned to work in the trucking business. He started Bishop Trucking in 1946 and retired after more than 40 years. Marilyn did the book keeping and dispatching, and Warren drove and saw to the maintenance of the trucks. While challenging at times, Bishop Trucking was a solid way for Warren to provide for his family.
After their retirement, Warren and Marilyn wintered at the La Hacienda RV Resort in Apache Junction, Arizona. For 20 seasons, they were known throughout the park for their 4 p.m. “chair scraping.” Now it’s called “cocktail time,” but it’s still at 4 p.m.
Some memories of war brought an occasional tear to Warren’s eye. Years later, a group of Army buddies were reunited where they had the chance to reminisce and tell stories – some good, some not so much. Warren and Marilyn attended these annual Army reunions for many years. In October, 2009, Warren traveled to Washington, DC as a member of the Honor Flight. He and hundreds of other World War II veterans viewed the memorial created in their honor, as well as other monuments and memorials in our nation’s capitol.
Warren was one of the original members of the Norwalk Volunteer Fire Department. He was part of the Norwalk American Legion, and was one of the oldest members of Norwalk Christian Church. Warren and Marilyn were very active in the church and their faith took them through difficult times especially during the last few years of Warren’s life.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Marilyn; daughters, Dellaine Spencer (Tony), and Bobbie Bishop (Doug Smuck); his grandsons, Michael Spencer (Erica Shehan), Chad Spencer (Ann Noel), Ben Spencer (Kelly); great-grandchildren, Kate, Maddie, Max, Finn, Will, and Sarah Beth.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Norwalk Christian Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Will Canine
07/02/2012
I have fond memories of the Bishop family while growing up near Norwalk. He was a true gentleman. Our sincere sympathy from the entire Canine family
Peggy & Gary Myer
06/28/2012
What a wonderful honorable man! So proud of his family, community and church. He will be greatly missed by all who have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Kay Petterson
06/26/2012
Warren was such a kind and compassionate man. I will never forget his kindness to our family when we were having a rough time. Always a smile on his face. I am praying for his family and friends.