Donald Thomas “Tom” Bishop
CONGERVILLE - Donald Thomas “Tom” Bishop, 74, of Congerville passed away at 9:48 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Rock Island, IL.
He was born on April 7, 1949, in Peoria to Donald Bishop and Elizabeth Stine (Davidson). He married Gail Renee Harris on December 16, 1973. She preceded him in death on May 11, 2014. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Heidi Mathews.
Surviving are one sister, Deborah (Leroy) Service; two brothers, David Bishop of Carlock and Jerry (Linda) Stine of Secor; five children, Kristen Mullins, Jason Bishop, Tyler (Asako) Bishop and Matthew Bishop, all of Congerville, and Kaitlyn (Adam) Pollard of Delavan; nine grandchildren, Coleman, Ashton, Kelsie, Meghan, Owen, Leo, Liam, Waylon and Lex; one great-grandson, Tate; his beloved girlfriend, Brenda Cross; and many nieces and nephews.
Tom will always be remembered as a true “outdoorsman,” as he spent much of his free time going fishing, boating, hunting and trapping, camping, 4-wheeling and gardening. And if he couldn’t convince his family to attend one of his outdoor adventures, you can bet he would have one (or more) of his faithful dogs along for the fun. Those who knew Tom really well would consider him a quiet, or even shy, soul...that is, until he got to know you. After that, it was often hard to get him to stop talking. He laughed a lot and had a sharp memory, especially when it came to embarrassing moments involving his friends and family. He loved a good joke and was quite the prankster.
Tom was also a very hard worker, putting in over 40 years at Keystone Steel and Wire in Bartonville, and was a generous, dependable man, always willing to lend a helping hand. These are traits that were passed on to him from his grandparents, whom he cherished, Lillian and Thomas Davidson. Tom loved gathering with his family, often for a cookout or camping/fishing trip, and loved spoiling his grandkids...even if some of the toys he bought were from the pet aisle. When life slowed down a bit, and Tom was no longer able to climb a tree stand, he could sometimes be found socializing and playing games at the Par-A-Dice. And it was there he really “hit the jackpot” when he met his later-in-life love, Brenda.
Though it is certain our skies will be a little darker without Tom in our lives, that darkness cannot even begin to compare to the light we had while he was with us.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Deer Creek Baptist Church, with visitation starting one hour prior to services. Pastor Steve Evans will officiate. Please feel free to wear camouflage and/or flannel apparel in his honor. Cremation rites will be accorded.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Condolences and tributes can be sent to family at www.argoruestmanharris.com.