Biography

Harold Lee “Unc” Bishop, age 82, of Edwards, Illinois passed away on Friday, January 29, 2010 at Proctor Hospital.

Harold was born on October 5, 1927 to Thomas A. and Bertha (Schoch) Baker. He married Rosa Merry on June 18, 1981 in Peoria, Illinois.

Harold is survived by his wife, Rosa; three daughters, Deborah Lee (James) Novak of Morrison, Colorado, Patricia Georgianna Hoffman, and Cynthia Ann Johnson of Spotsylvania, Virginia; three grandchildren, Christine Marie (Sean) Sides of Conifer, Colorado, Catherine Lynn (Martin) LeRoy of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Daniel James Novak of Morrison, Colorado; one great-grandchild, Savannah Marie LeRoy; and one sister, Rosetta Tillerson. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Zelma and Verna.

Harold served in the United States Navy from October 13, 1945 to January 29, 1948 during World Ward II, where he was witness to the Bikini Atol Atomic Testing. He received the American Theater Victory Medal. He later worked and retired as an Installation Engineer for Western Electric. In the early years Harold worked on a race team Pit Crew. Harold was a patron and Sunday school teacher at the Edwards United Methodist Church. He was a 32nd Degree Master Mason with Lodge 263 and then became a Shriner. Harold was a volunteer at Wild Life Prairie Park, and was involved with the youth tours of the Peoria County Jail. Harold was an avid gardener; bird watcher, and dedicated his life to taking care of everyone he loved.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 10am at Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61604. Rev. Phillip Merritt will be officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 1, 2010 from 4pm to 6pm also at Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home. Burial will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children Hospital Burn Unit. Online condolences may be made at www.cumerford.com.