Gwendolyn Bishop (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Gwendolyn Bernice Bishop, daughter of Joe W. and Beatrice Dick Fleming, was born January 23, 1918, in Kansas City, Missouri. She departed this life Monday, October 2, 2017, in her home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-nine years, eight months, and nine days.
On August 6, 1942, she was united in marriage to Dauthard William “D.W.” Bishop, Jr., and to this union two sons were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, D.W., on August 2, 2014; and two brothers, Joe B. and Dick Fleming.
Gwen is survived by two sons, D.W. “Bill” Bishop, III, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and Richard “Rick” D. Bishop, and his wife, Jan, of Lebanon, Missouri; five grandchildren, Hannah, Jared, Drew, Chelsey, and Casey; a great-grandchild, Boone; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated from high school there. In the 1930’s, Gwen danced with a professional ballet company. Once she met D.W., they dated for six years before marrying in 1942. After the war, she and D.W. moved to Kansas City, where they resided until moving to Lebanon in 1959. She and D.W. made their home near Lebanon, Missouri, and lovingly raised their sons. Gwen was a devoted homemaker and a loving mother throughout the years, and was also very supportive in the operation of their business, Bishop Furniture Company.
Gwen made her profession of faith in Christ early in her life, and was a longtime member of First Christian Church in Lebanon.
She belonged to the Round Table Club, the Young Matron’s Society, and she and D.W. were longtime members of the Lebanon Country Club. In her spare time she enjoyed playing golf, knitting, reading and especially playing bridge. She possessed a delightful sense of humor, liked having fun, and loved to laugh. She loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchild.
Gwen was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during ninety-nine years.
A memorial has been established to the first Christian Church.
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