Donald Eugene "Don" Bishop

Donald "Don" Eugene Bishop , age 74, of Pickford, Michigan, transitioned peacefully into Glory on December 08, 2025.

"Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living." - Albert Einstein.

No life has better emulated this statement than the life of Don Bishop. Serving numerous communities across the country for thirty-seven years as a Pastor and serving our great country in both the United States Navy and the United States Army for a combined thirty-four years, Don's life was joyfully spent in service to others.

Don was born in Utica, Michigan, on August 29, 1951, to Dale and Mary Bishop. Don was raised on a family farm, the eldest of twelve, where he gained a very strong work ethic which he carried with him throughout his life. Don attended primary and secondary school in Utica, Michigan, before joining the United States Navy in 1968. While serving his country in the U.S. Navy, Don continued to pursue his education through obtaining a Bachelor of Science with emphasis in Nuclear Engineering and Sociology from the University of Albany, New York. Don continued his service to the country in the United States Army for another twenty-two years, before retiring in 2011 with the ranking of Master Sargeant (E8).

In addition to his service to the country, Don also provided service to the community through his passion for Ministry. Don received the call to Ministry in 1981 and obtained his Certificate of Ordinance in 1984 from Chubbuck Baptist Church in Idaho. Don then obtained a Masters of Arts in Counseling in 1987 which began his thirty-seven year stretch in serving as a Pastor for numerous communities, most recently for the community of Pickford, Michigan at Stalwart Community Church, where he served for the past fourteen years with his beloved wife, Shannon Bishop. Don continued his pursuit in theology at Andersonville Theological Seminary where he received his Doctor of Ministry in 2015.

In addition to his educational and professional endeavors, family was also a priority for Don. Coming from a large family himself, Don raised six children of his own with his first wife, Linda Beals. Though their relationship turned out to be less permanent than either of them expected, both went on to happily remarry and raise exceptional children. In 2005, Don met and married the love of his life, Shannon Bishop, gaining three more children to love.

In addition to his passion for serving his country, community and family, Don also loved music and exceled at playing many instruments including piano, guitar, cello, trumpet, french horn, and even the harmonica! Don's love for music began in early childhood through singing with his family at church and playing trumpet in school. Don continued his passion for music into adulthood by playing trumpet and piano, singing in the choir at church, and teaching his children the same appreciation for music. Don played his instruments up until the last few months before his passing and was singing only days before with his family and church.

His other hobbies included sailboats, woodworking, gardening, fishing, golfing and projects galore!

Don is survived by his beautiful wife, Shannon Bishop; nine children, David Bishop, Rachel Bishop, Angel Powell, Sarah Anderson, Liz Vinsant, Josh Bishop, Chad Latour, Mandie Jones, and Chris Latour; sixteen grandchildren; nine siblings, Allen Bishop, Clare Bishop, Martha Blankenship, Dwight Bishop, Bruce Bishop, Louis Bishop, Leona Moses, Grace Weaks, and Dorothy Morrison; as well as a host of other cherished friends and relatives.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Mary Bishop; and brothers, Kenny and Russell Bishop.

A full military funeral service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Stalwart Community Church, 8089 M-48 Goetzville, MI, 49736. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM with the formal service to follow at 4:00 PM.

Donations in Don's honor may be made to the Pennington House, 665 S Pleasant St, Pickford, MI 49774, for their generous love and hospitality during the last month of Don's life would be greatly appreciated.

"Let your gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near." Philippians 4:5.

Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com

Obituary as submitted by family.