Howard D. Bishop

Howard D. Bishop, left his earthly home to be with his Heavenly Father Friday, October 28, 2005. He passed peacefully at home with his family at his bedside at the age of 84. Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home 2650 Niles Rd St. Joseph, with a prayer service held at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11:00 AM Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet, with Father Donald Wieber officiating. The burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph; where there will be military Rites conducted. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home of South Haven or to North Berrien Senior Center. Friends wishing to send condolences may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Howard was a life time resident of Hagar Township and a graduate of Coloma High School. During World War II, he served in the South Pacific as a Communication Specialist and was discharged as a sergeant. Following his Service to his country, Howard came home to Coloma to Farm in partnership with his parents Howard and Nora (Horan) Bishop. He married his high school love Dolores Kling on April 30, 1949, who was his partner in farming as well as marriage for 56 years. Howard served his community not only as Clerk of Hagar Township for 27 years but also served on many farm and political committees. The family has always been his mainstay and his life exemplified honesty and integrity. Howard leaves behind his wife Dolores and his children Patricia (Donald) Fryling of Coloma, Pamela (Robert ) Hirsch of Coloma and Maureen E. Bishop of Coloma ; Three Grandchildren Christopher Fryling, Jonathan (Kellie) Fryling, Matthew Fryling and great-grandson Gabriel Fryling. He also leaves many dear neighbors and friends. Among them Ollire Wortley and her children. He was preceded in death by his father and mother.