Pat Bishop tee'd his final shot Friday August 15, 2014 and passed from this world surrounded by family and friends. Born in Battle Creek, Nebraska to George and Elsie Bishop on October 30, 1929, Patrick Stewart Bishop grew up with one brother Ronald, sister Hazel, and sister Dorothy. Upon graduating from Battle Creek High School with the class of 1948, Pat enlisted in the US Army, serving as company clerk at Fort Knox in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1950 he transferred to the Army Reserve where he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in 1955. After being released from active duty, Pat resumed his education, studying first at Norfolk Jr. College in Nebraska and continuing at Casper Jr. College where he met and married Cecilia Darlene Mitchell. They then moved to Denver, Colorado where Pat completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the University of Denver.
In 1954 he accepted an accounting position with Shell Oil. Pat, Darlene, and newborn son, Pat II, relocated to Texas, living in both the Denver City and Midland communities. Adding Steven and Daney, the family returned to Casper, Wyoming in 1960. Pat began a new career as Office Manager for the Rissler and McMurry Co. A second daughter, Daria, was born in 1962. Throughout the next 35 years Pat worked in all areas of administration including accounting, personnel, EEO, bidding, contracts and legal matters - representing the company as needed. Pat enjoyed his career with Rissler and McMurry Co. and his work with the several committees, boards, and related professional organizations supporting the construction industry in Wyoming. He served a term as President of the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming and as Chairman of the Casper Area Transportation Advisory Committee.
Pat was active in his communities. He was a champion Little League Baseball coach. Fraternally he was a charter member and Past Master of Independence Rock Lodge No 56 A.F. and A.M., the York Rite Bodies in Casper, Wyoming, Shrine and Korean Temple Rawlins, Wyoming, and an active member of Kiwanis International.
Pat was an active member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Midland, TX, Sheridan, WY, Crossville TN, and Casper, WY. During his life he served the congregations with whom he worshiped as deacon, elder, committee chair and committee member of various church commissions.
Pat loved the game of golf, especially when he had the opportunity to play with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed working in the yard and gardens, sharing walks with his dogs (Champ, Prince, and Ollie) and travelling the United States. Pat was a family man who loved life, faced every challenge straight up, and walked his faith with few words. He and Darlene shared a wonderful 62 year adventure.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents George and Elsie Bishop, brother Ronald Bishop and sister Dorothy Westerman, all of Norfolk NE; father and mother-in-law Abe and Daney Mitchell of Casper, Wyoming; and Daughter-in-law Sheryl Strahs.
Pat is survived by his wife Cecilia Darlene Bishop of Casper, WY and their children; Patrick Stewart Bishop II (Chiquita) of Crossville, TN, Steven Craig Bishop (Sue) of Rock Springs, WY, Daney Jo Tanner (Stuart) of Casper, WY and Daria Bishop Dundas (Robert) of Casper, WY.
Grandchildren include Chad Bishop of Harriman, TN, Walt Tanner of Spokane Washington, Arlee Gegzna (Joe) of Mobile, AL, Henry Tanner (Kayla) of Casper, WY, Jenika Bishop (Tyler) of North Branch MN, Owen Tanner of Denver, CO, Emily Dundas of Idaho Falls, ID, Ashley Fleming (Tina) of Casper WY, Wende White (Keith) of Harriman, TN, and Charles Williams (Debbie) of Easely, SC.
Great grandchildren include Hunter, Madeline, Sydney, and Milo Tanner, Abby and Holly White, and Chase Williams.
Other survivors include Pat's sister Hazel Allison and brother-in-law Red Westerman, both of Norfolk, NE; brother-in-law Thad (Ina) Mitchell of Sheridan, WY, sister-in-law Daney Brauchie (Larry) of Casper, WY and numerous nephews, nieces and special friends.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been established at Casper College. Monies will be used to provide scholarships for accounting students attending Casper College. Donations can be made to: The Patrick S Bishop Scholarship, Casper College Foundation, 125 College Drive, Casper, WY 82601. A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23rd. Hamburgers and malts (Pat's favorite meal) will be served at the Casper Country Club, upstairs dining room, immediately following the service.
Fear no more the heat o' the sun,
Nor the furious winter's rages.
Thou thy worldly task hast done
William Shakespeare
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