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- Paul Vernon "Skipper" Bishop, CLU, ChFC, 67, of Olney, passed into Heaven peacefully March 15, 2014, at 12:36 p.m., at his home with his family by his side. Skipper had endured a long battle with neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer, and fought as hard as he could until the end.
Paul "Skipper" Bishop was born to Vollie Bishop and Mary Ann (Griffiths) Bishop on September 6, 1946, after Vollie returned from the Navy during World War II.
Skipper was born in Harco, Illinois, and was blessed with brothers, Vollie Bishop Jr. and Larry Bishop, and a sister, Johnita (Bennett) Moore (Jim Moore).
He attended Equality schools throughout his childhood and graduated from Equality High School in 1964.
Skipper met the love of his life, Susie Crayne, during his freshman year at Southern Illinois University- Carbondale. They married in 1965, at the age of 16 and 18, and were happily married for 48 wonderful years.
Skipper graduated with a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1968.
He was blessed with three wonderful children, who he adored: Christy (Greg Nikitas), Courtney, and Paul II (Brandy Bishop). He was a proud Grandpa to five terrific grandchildren: Emma, John, Lucy, William, and Bailee, with one on the way to be born any day.
Skipper was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Bishop Bennett; father, Vollie Bishop; stepfather, John Bennett; brother, Vollie Bishop Jr.; and nephew, Chris Bishop.
Skipper was an avid Fighting Illini, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears fan. He enjoyed fishing and hunting at Cave-in-Rock, golfing, playing cards, and family trips. He loved to mushroom hunt and fry fish for family and friends.
Skipper was a dedicated and loyal employee of Country Companies (Country Financial) for thirty-nine years. He worked his way up from Agent to Manager to District Director of Agency and on to Vice President of Agency achieving a number of awards along the way. He supervised and mentored agents and managers throughout the United States. In his final position within the company as Senior Vice President of Agency, he had the opportunity to promote and recognize others who excelled in the insurance field. He retired August, 2011.
A celebration in honor of his wonderful life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Elm Street Christian Church, 727 East Elm Street, Olney, Illinois.
Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney is in charge of arrangements.
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