of Harrison, AR
February 8, 1948 - March 12, 2016
Donald E. Bishop of Harrison went to be home with the Lord on March 12. It was much too soon, but he died where he loved to be planting a tree in his gardens. Don was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 1948. He was 68 years old.
Don was an army veteran, an attorney, a Biblical scholar, and an avid gardener. He taught the Men's and Women's Bible Class at the First United Methodist Church for over twenty years. He served as the chair of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and served on various committees. Don actively supported the Democratic Party and served both as a delegate and alternate Delegate at past Democratic National Conventions. He also served on the Arkansas State Democratic Executive Committee.
Don practiced law in Harrison for thirty years and primarily enjoyed working with people and organizations that helped people. Two of his favorite clients were the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas and the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, where he found great joy and satisfaction as in-house counsel. Don frequently presented at Arkansas Bar Conferences and received the Best of the Best of Continuing Legal Education several times. He was active in NOSSCR, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives, and also was a presenter at their national meetings.
Together, Don and Sherry embarked on many journeys. They enjoyed traveling and sharing their experiences through their extensive photo collection. They were passionate gardeners. Through all seasons they worked outside together planting beds and learning how to feed deer without losing their flowers. Both obtained certifications as Master Gardeners and worked on a number of projects around Harrison. They met at the University of Arkansas and remained faithful Razorback fans.
Don treasured time with his children and grandchildren. Never shy to sing a funny song or work for a laugh with a silly face, he was a dedicated grandfather. His family tree includes his loving wife, Sherry Bishop; his children, Christy and Richard Newland and their children Jacob and Thomas; Michael and Jenny Bishop and their children Emma, Caroline, Riliegh, and Chase; and Jonathan and Jenelle Bishop and their daughter Avery. He is also survived by his mother Betty Berry Bishop of Lowell, sister Judy Crawford of Hot Springs, brother Joe Bishop of Lowell, and sister Lisa Bishop of Vincennes, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Bishop of Lowell.
Don was an organ donor and his family was notified that he will help from 70 to 100 people.
Visitation was at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home in Harrison Wednesday, March 16. A celebration of life was at First United Methodist Church in Harrison Thursday, with Rev. David Williams and Dr. C. Chappell Temple officiating.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church.
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23 Condolence(s)
Angie Elcan
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Dear Sherry and Family,
I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to you all. Hold fast to your precious memories with Don - they will sustain you. Life's journey of faith isn't always easy or understood. Just know I will keep you in my heart and pray for your strength in the days ahead.
Angie Elcan
Scott Edwards
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
My Dad, Mike Edwards (Mike & Jane of Harrison), told me today of Don's passing. I was very sad to hear this news! I moved from Harrison, AR to WA Sept 2004. I graduated from Harrison High School in 1989. I was in the same grade as Don's daughter, Christy. She and I went to a school dance our Junior year with our friend Melissa Long and her date, Brandt Wiskur. The four of us had a very special dinner at Christy's house before the school dance. Don and Sherry made us feel so welcome! They put on a very nice dinner for us. I still remember the fruit sorbet (raspberry I think) Sherry served us to cleanse our palates between certain dishes. It was very nice. I will miss Don's gentle nature that I observed the brief times I interacted with him in my High School days and the few times I ran into him when I returned to Harrison in 1994 after my time in the Air Force. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sherry, Christy, Michael and the rest of their extended family. Hugs to all of you! Scott
Jeff & Paulette Jech
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Sherry and Family,
I am so sorry about Don. My heart goes out to you. You and your family are in our prayers.
Susan (Stewart) Potrafka
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Sherry and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Mom called tonight to let me know. It has been many years since I babysat for you - one of my first jobs. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Susan Potrafka
Jody Stewart
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Mrs. Bishop and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Bishop's passing. I pray you use the many wonderful memories you have of your time with him to carry you through this time of sorrow.
May God's Peace Be With You.
Ronald J. Harding
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Mrs. Bishop, I am so sorry to hear about Don......My brief acquaintance with him, while working on his beautiful Grandfather Clock was most pleasurable.....God Bless You....Ron Harding (clock man)
Billy Edwards
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Sherry and family,
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a fine man and a loyal, faithful Democrat. For his support of the arts in our community, and his friendship, I am truly thankful. Our city and state have lost a great citizen.
Sincerely,
Billy Edwards
Harold D Partain
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Although it has been many years since I have seen Don or any of his wonderful family I remember him so well from my youthful days in Lowell. And I admire all the great things he continued to work for through his lifetime here on this beautiful Earth. Blessing to All his family. Plant a tree for us, Donnie, in Heaven. It will provide a restful shade for All of us.
Gene Bland
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Along with Donnie`s many accomplishments during his too short lifetime, I`ll remember him as a good football player and even better person on our RJHS (Rogers) team mid-60`s. Donnie`s former Coach...Gene Bland
Kim Ross Bryant
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Don was an all-around great guy! He will be missed by many. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Kim
Fred Woehl
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Don was truly a GREAT man and one I counted as a friend. He will be missed. My thoughts and especially my prayers for the family.
Diana Rice
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Dear Sherry - I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you hugs...
Diana (of Shelby's, for many years) :(
Judith R. Bearden
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
My deepest sympathy. I knew him only as a lawyer but Don was a credit to his profession.
Judith
Janice Stanford
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Karen cox
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Don Bishop was the sweetest man ever he helped me when I needed it. I know many he helped God bless you good man.
Brad Bailey, Area Agency on Aging
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
It was a pleasure to have worked with Don in his capacity as legal counsel for the Area Agency on Aging. I will miss him. My prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.
Lila Nettell
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Sherry and family;
Your all in my thoughts and prayers during this sorrowful time! I know he will be missed dearly by all of you. He was such a good man and I mourn his passing with you.” God's comfort be with you all.
Rebecca Williams
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Sherry, may God’s peace wrap around you during these dark days and may the deep love you shared give you sweet comfort. We will miss him.
David Williams
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Sherry, Michael, Christy, and Jonathan, you and your family are in our prayers for peace and comfort as we journey together through the valley of the shadow of death. I am grateful for the gift of Don's faith and friendship. I genuinely looked up to Don as a mentor and I am grateful for his spiritual leadership in my life. We will miss him. I am grateful for the privilege of serving as his pastor during this season of his life. His life was such a gift to us all and a means of God's grace to our church. We love you.
Richard McBryde
Monday, March 14, 2016
Don was a very special man. He will be greatly missed.
Patricia Raynard
Monday, March 14, 2016
Sorry for the loss of Don he will be missed on this Earth below he was a good steward and was an inspiration to many I pray for peace and comfort during this time .. Don was a true friend to many.. Mrs. Patricia Ellen Raynard
Charles and Ellen Rush
Monday, March 14, 2016
Our hearts go out to you and your family. Don was such a wonderful man. He was always so kind and considerate of everyone no matter the age. Our granddaughter, Leigh, loved him because he always considered her part of our Sunday School Class. He will truly be missed.
Charlie and Ellen Rush
Joan Reid
Monday, March 14, 2016
John and I are so sorry about the sudden death of Don. We remember so many good times of 1987 in the old neighborhood with the boys. I will be out of town until Wednesday and hope to be at visitation that evening. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family.
With much love,
John and Joan Reid