Luther A. Bishop Obituary (1928 - 2009)

Luther A. Bishop, 80, Rockton, Illinois passed away at 8:15 a.m., Sunday, May 31, 2009 in his home surrounded by his family after a 2 year courageous battle with cancer. Born August 31, 1928 in Franklin County, Alabama, the son of Henry and Bessie (Fleming) Bishop. Grew up in Lawrenceburg, Tenessee. Luther served in the U.S. Army in WWII. Married Marie Moore on August 14, 1948 moving to Illinois in 1950 raising 3 children. She passed away June 8, 1970. Then married Josephine Hudzinski on June 26, 1971. Employed in maintenance for Gardner Machine in South Beloit, Illinois, retiring in 1990 after 25 years. Member of Walter H. Graham American Legion Post 322 in Rockton, Illinois, 40 & 8 Club, Quarter Century Club from Gardner Machine and enjoyed the early morning coffee at Mary’s, He was a Boy Scout leader during his son’s youth. Luther was an avid Nascar fan. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kenneth Gold, nurses Sue and Robin, Beloit Regional Hospice for their loving care and compassion given to Luther. A special thank you to Mark Micka for the endless care and devoted friendship. Survivors include; wife, Josephine; daughter, Lisa (Fred) Kopp; Josephine’s children, Marjorie Bartell, Betty Ann (Jerry) Kneisel, Linda (Terry) Gessler; daughter-in-law, Barb Bishop; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters Marie (CJ) Cameron, Hattie (Bob) Zorn and Sue (Jerry) Tolle; brother, Raymond (Mary) Bishop; sister, Ruth White; numerous nieces and nephews and beloved pets. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Michael and Delbert, brother Al and sisterIler Mae. Funeral ceremonies will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 7, 2009 in McCorkle Funeral Home, 767 N Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, Illinois with Reverend Karen Stubbelfield, pastor of Gridley Congregational, Beloit, Wisconsin officiating. Visitation from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2009 in the funeral home. Cremation Rites to be Accorded. Final burial in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens, South Beloit, Illinois. Memorials have been established to the American Cancer Society, 4312 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108 and Beloit Regional Hospice, 655 Third St, Suite 200, Beloit, WI 53511.