Obituaries

Donald E. Bishop

Photo of Donald E. Bishop
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: 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 will take place at Roller Christeson Funeral Home in Harrison from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16. A celebration of life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Harrison at 11 a.m. Thursday. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Online Guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com/harrison.

Published March 16, 2016

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