Norman L. Bishop

Norman Lewis Bishop, age 93, a proud resident of Olney, passed away on June 15th after a life richly lived in service of his country and devotion to his family.

Norman was born June 14th, 1931 in Raleigh, IL to Clive and Elizabeth Bishop (deceased). He often recounted fond memories from his childhood on his family’s farm, particularly those with his horse, High-toned Kentucky Rex. He graduated from Eldorado Township High School and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

After proudly serving in the Korean War as a Military Police Corporal he supervised the installation of telephone lines for General Telephone Company. His proudest achievement was installing the first direct distance dialing system in the United States on which the first call was made from Jamestown, NY to Lucille Ball, a Jamestown native. He contributed to his community as a member of the American Legion and Elks and leader of Boy Scout Troop 211. He enjoyed retirement, spending time with family, traveling with friends, watching NASCAR races and tending to his General Motors vehicles, for which he was well known.

He is survived by his wife Felecia Bishop of Olney, IL; his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Michael and Christine Bishop of Burr Ridge, IL; granddaughter, Alison Hickey (Daniel) of Chicago, IL; sister Beverly Hays of Harrisburg, IL, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Roger, Phillip Dale, Darrell, William, and Velma.

The family would like to thank Norman’s dear friends, especially Baird and Sandra Smith, Frank and Patricia Van Matre, and Marilyn Holt. They would also like to sincerely thank Dr. Timothy Garrett and the staff at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital, especially those on the third floor, for their kindness and special care.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation beginning one-hour prior at the church.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Olney. Full Military Rites will be performed at the graveside.

Memorials can be made to St. Joseph School Foundation Trust.