Walter Wesley Bishop, Jr.

1947 - 2026

Walter Wesley Bishop, Jr., 78, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully from heart failure on January 18, 2026. He is known as Walt to his friends and Wally to his family. He was born on October 2, 1947, in Indianapolis to the late Walter W. Bishop, Sr. and Dorothy J. (Crim) Bishop.

A proud graduate of Whiteland High School, Wally was an avid athlete who continued to play football (left tackle) at Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis). He went on to graduate summa cum laude from Franklin College in 1969 and was in the Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity; laying the foundation for a life marked by dedication, discipline, and community.

Wally served his country with honor in the United States Army. After his military service, he worked as an insurance inspector, where his attention to detail and strong work ethic earned him great respect. While in the Army he also qualified for Mensa (the largest and oldest high-IQ society in the world). He also dedicated many years to officiating as a football and basketball referee, a role that combined his love of sports with his sense of fairness and integrity.

He was a devoted fan of athletics. He was especially supportive of women's collegiate sports including Women's college basketball and long-distance running. He was a season ticket holder to the Indiana Fever and loved Caitlin Clark. He loved watching the Colts and Indiana football with his daughter and family.

He loved all types of music from classical to Klezmer to military to the Andrew's Sisters. He loved history and old movies. Beyond his many interests, he was cherished for his quick wit and inimitable sense of humor-a quality that brought laughter and comfort to those around him.

Wally is survived by his loving wife, Abigail (Arvin) Bishop; his cherished daughter, Dr. Sarah Bishop Tookman and her husband, Daniel and their son Bishop Tookman; and his siblings, Gary Bishop, Debbie Cottingham (Terry), and Valerie Murray (Phil). He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and a host of extended family members and friends who will deeply miss his steady presence and lively spirit.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1605 S State Rd 135, Greenwood, 46143. A funeral service celebrating Wally's life will follow at 1:00 p.m. followed by Celebration of Life Lunch at the Barn at Bay Horse, 1468 W Stones Crossing Rd, Greenwood, 46143 at 2:30 p.m. He will be laid to rest the following morning, Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Gardens at Olive Branch.

Wally's life was marked by a love for life and his family, laughter, and patriotism. He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed.

The family invites those who knew Wally to share their memories, photographs, and condolences online at www.ghherrmann.com, helping to honor his legacy and keep his memory alive.