Dr. Leo M. Bishop, OD

Dr. Leo M. Bishop, 90, of Mount Carmel, IL, passed away in his sleep at his residence on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

The son of John and Mary Eva (Foster) Bishop, Leo was born on May 11, 1926, in Goreville, IL.

After graduating from Goreville High School in 1943, Leo moved to Kankakee where he worked as a conveyor operator until he enlisted in the United States Navy on May 15, 1944, and served in the following commands during WWII: Naval Training School, Great Lakes, IL; Naval Aviation School, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Aviation Airman School, Jacksonville, FL; Patrol Bombing Squadron 197; Naval Training School (Aviation Ordnance), Norman, OK; Naval Aviation Ground School, Jacksonville, FL; Naval Aviation School, Banana River, FL; and Permanent Shore Patrol 9ND, Chicago, IL.  Leo received the American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and was honorably discharged June 18, 1946.

Upon his discharge from the United States Navy, Leo attended Monroe College of Optometry in Chicago, IL, and received his diploma and optometrist license in 1948.  After graduating, he moved to Mount Carmel, IL, where he established his practice and provided eye-care until his retirement in 1999. 

After moving to Mount Carmel, Leo met his future wife and married Dorothy Mae Raber on December 15, 1951 at Friedens Church in Wabash County. 

Dr. Bishop was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and served as Post 4276 Past Commander.  He was also a member of the American Legion and American Optometric Association.

In addition to being a loving father and husband, he enjoyed golfing, hunting, horse racing, and watching Cardinals baseball.  He was also known for his love of telling a good joke.  He attended Evangelical United Methodist Church.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, of 64 years, brother, Gene (Violet) Bishop and sister, Mary Evelyn.

He is survived by his children, Rodney (Cindy) Bishop of Mount Carmel, IL; Sandra (Brian) Mayard of Parker, CO; Ronda (Russ) Alcorn of Longwood, FL; and Darcy (Gary) Kane of Augusta, MI; and by his eight grandchildren: Ashley (Jay) Cushman, Nick (Rachel) Alcorn, Brittany (Daniel) Cox, Cassie (Dan) Van Alstine, Brian Alcorn, Caitlin Alcorn, Alicia Kane and Jake (Alexa) Bishop. He was a very special grandpa to seven great-grandchildren: Violet, Emily, Bridgette, and Charlotte Van Alstine, Brady Cox, and June and Bennett Alcorn

Family and friends may call Thursday, February 2, 2017, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Short Funeral Home, 527 N. Mulberry Street, Mount Carmel, IL. 

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 3, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Evangelical United Methodist Church, 2010 N. Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, Illinois.  Visitation before the service will be from 10:00 until 11:00.  Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the Celtic Hospice group for their care and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to EUM, 2010 N Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL   62863 or Celtic Hospice, 1702 Broadway Street, Ste. A, Mount Vernon, IL  62864.  Envelopes will be available at Short’s and the church.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Leo’s family.

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