Russell Eugene Bishop

Russell E. “Gene” Bishop, 84, of Greensburg went to be with God on October 18, 2016. He was born on September 25, 1932 in Sheridan, Indiana, the son of Ray and Zella Aldridge Bishop. After losing his parents in his youth, he was raised by his Uncle Howard and Aunt Evelena Aldridge of Greensburg. Russell was a 1951 graduate of Greensburg High School.

Russell married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Vickrey, on July 31, 1955, and together they raised three children: Larry (Carol) Bishop, Julie (Peter) Craig and Lori (John) Windham. The joys of their lives are their grandchildren: Beth (Jay) Johnson, Brittany (Zach) Welsh, Andrew Craig, Allison Craig, Jonathan (Michelle) Hudnall, Lauren Hudnall and Mitchell Windham and four great grandchildren Jacob Johnson, Lilli and Sam Welsh, and Eloise Hudnall. Inspired by the events of Russell’s childhood, the Bishops made a commitment early in their marriage to become licensed foster parents and together they lovingly welcomed over 30 children into their home over a dozen years.

Russell served his country as a member of the Indiana Army National Guard Company B 152nd Infantry, and worked as a machinist at General Electric/ Wellman Thermal for over 39 years. His creativity and strong work ethic brought other vocations into his life. In his early working years he formed his own painting and contracting businesses and in his later years he and Shirley enjoyed a carpentry and woodworking business, Clifty Creek Woodcrafts. Their faith led Russell to become a licensed minister allowing he and Shirley to minister at local long-term care facilities. They were members of the Greensburg Wesleyan Church.

Outgoing and gregarious, Russell never met a stranger. Among the things he liked to do with his friends and family were fishing, bowling and golfing. Summer trips to Canada, Gatlinburg, Wisconsin and Myrtle Beach are cherished memories of his family.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt and uncle who raised him, two brothers Ray Bishop Jr. and Jim Land, and one sister Norma Rowe. He is survived by one brother Kenneth Bishop of Brownsburg.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2016 from 1:30PM until the start of the funeral service at 3:30PM at the Greensburg Wesleyan Church, 634 W. Main Street Greensburg, Indiana 47240. Burial will follow at the Hebron Cemetery in Adams. Memorial contributions may be made to Diabetes Association, Gideon’s, or the donors choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.