Name: Visitation for Charles Emerson Bishop
Start: 2025-05-31T10:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-05-31T11:00:00.000Z
Location: Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home

Charles Emerson Bishop

January 2, 1930 - May 12, 2025

Charles Emerson Bishop, Brigadier General, United States Air Force (Retired), passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, at the age of 95 in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas. His long and distinguished life was marked by service, leadership, and a deep devotion to his family and country.

Born on January 2, 1930, in East Millinocket, Maine, Charlie graduated from Guilford High School in 1948 and from Coburn Classical Institute in 1949. He went on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1962.

A proud veteran, Charlie served his country with honor and distinction for nearly three decades. His military career included combat service during the Vietnam War, where his valor earned him the Silver Star and five Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was also awarded two Legion of Merit medals during peacetime for his exceptional leadership and contributions. He retired in 1982 with the rank of Brigadier General. In addition to his life's work, Charlie was a member of Freemasonry.

Following his military career, Charlie brought his leadership and integrity to the private sector, serving in several roles at USAA as President of the Federal Savings Bank and President of Property and Casualty.

Charlie was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Patricia Bishop, and a nurturing father to their five children; Catherine Bishop, Lisa Butler (Paul), Scott Bishop (Jackie), Steven Bishop (Barbara), and David Bishop. He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 4 great-grandchildren.

Charlie and Pat loved spending half of their time in Maine, where they found joy and peace in fly fishing - one of his greatest passions. His love of nature and quiet moments on the water reflected the contemplative and steady presence he offered to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Fay Bishop and Rae Larlee Bishop; his brother Cleo Bishop; his sister Iva Bickford, and her husband, Frank Bickford. Charlie will be remembered as someone who always made those around him feel seen and valued. His quiet wisdom, humility, and capacity to teach by example meant that time spent with him always left others richer in understanding and perspective.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home in Boerne, Texas. Charlie will be laid to rest at a later date at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Charlie's name to veterans' organizations that support those in military service, reflecting his deep commitment to his fellow service men and women.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Progress from May 24 to May 25, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Bishop

Sponsored by Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home.

1 Entry

Capt. Hillar Sarepera, USN (ret)

May 30, 2025

I send my deepest, most sincere, and heartfelt condolences, on behalf of me, and my precious, recently deceased wife Mary, to all of the family and friends of Gen. Charles E. Bishop, USAF (ret). I have known Charlie since the mid 1970s, and am privileged to be, and to have been, part of some of his family, for all these years.
In this sadness, we can all take comfort in the remembrance that Charlie lived a long, full, and prosperous life, dedicated to service, to his country, then, thereafter, to both Military and Civilian Society. First, foremost, and most noteworthy, was the devoted, distinguished service of his Air Force Career, including significant, courageous years of direct, dangerous, warfare combat. After retiring from active Military Service, at a well earned Flag Rank, Charlie devoted many more years, of contribution to the welfare of society through a successful, meaningful, business career in the societal assistance industry.
I know, with personal empathy, that Charlie will be greatly grieved, and sorely missed, by so many, but it is comforting, and gratifying to know that his life leaves the imprint of meaningful accomplishment, and most importantly a legacy for generations of his family that are so better off for having him for paternal guidance and inspiration for all of their lives.
Bravo Zulu Charlie and may you rest in the greatest of peace.
Capt. Hillar Sarepera, USN (ret)

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