Willard L. Bishop
April 20, 2011
Willard L. Bishop, born June 10, 1914, passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 23, at 11:00 a.m., at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines. Visitation will be on Friday, April 22 from 4 to 6 p.m., at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines.
In 1941, Willard married Betty Jean Sargent and they had three children. “Bish” began working in the family business, Mrs. Clark’s Foods, at the age of 17, when he graduated from Roosevelt High School, and remained involved with the management of the company until the business was sold in 1973.
Willard was an avid golfer, sailor and volunteer, including Grandview University Honorary Trustee, Rotary Club of Des Moines (50-year member and past president), 32nd Degree Mason with the Waveland Masonic Lodge, Consistory, Shrine, ZaGaZig, DeMolay Legion of Honor, YMCA and the Y Camp in Boone, the Des Moines Chapter of the American Red Cross, United Way Board of Managers, and many other local charities. He was a 50-year member of Grace United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; sons, David (Beth) Bishop and Bill (Mary) Bishop; daughter, Jane (Eric) Fogg; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Grandview University, the Iowa Health Foundation or to the Rotary Club of Des Moines Foundation.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Gene Graziano
04/27/2011
I was out of town visiting two of the children for Easter. I missed the opportunity to offer my condolences in person and would like to take the chance to offer them at this time.
I went to school with Bill and, while neither of us spent a lot of time talking about our parents, I know there was a great deal of love in the family.
I am truly sorry for your loss and for my inability to express this to you in person.
Sincerely,
Gene Graziano
SUZIE GLAZER BURT
04/25/2011
I HOLD YOU ALL IN MY HEART!!
JUST RETURNED AND SO SORRY TO HEAR I MISSED HIS SERVICE!
HE WAS A GEM AND I SO ENJOYED OUR SWIMS TOGETHER AT THE
PARK FLEUR!
WITH SINCEREST SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY WITH MUCH LOVE
Jane Yocum Warren,
04/23/2011
I haven't seen any of your family in years. I lived around the corner on Rutland when you lived on 33rd and Cottage Grove. I can remember being in the same class as Bill at Elmwood and Roosevelt. I do recall being in your home as well as seeing all of you at Grace. Your father was a very kind man. I am sorry for your loss.
Jane Yocum Warren (daughter of Frank and Juanita Yocum)
David and Rheanna Reed
04/22/2011
thinking of you during this difficult time. we have good memories of spending time with your family during past holidays. you are in our thoughts and hearts. with love, david and rheanna
Mark Snell
04/22/2011
We extend our deepest sympathies to the Bishop Family. As former members of Grace Methodist Church and through Rotary we have known Willard and your family. We also express our greetings to Jane Fogg. May God's love sustain you during this difficult time.
Mark and Cindy Snell
Enid & Danny Lucatorto
04/21/2011
Jane and Eric,
Danny and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Losing a family member is hard, but always remember the good times and hold that close to your heart.
Enid & Danny
Shary Albaugh
04/21/2011
Bill, just wanted to send my sympathies to you and your family. What a successful man your father was and what a great long life he lived.
Gretchen Thompson, president, Chapter HH, PEO
04/21/2011
Betty and Family......All of us from Chapter HH, PEO, are sending you many good thoughts and prayers this morning. .......I especially want you to know, Betty, that your sisters, think of you often, and, we keep you in our hearts.........Gretchen