Gary Richard Bishop

Gary Richard Bishop, age 85 of Lynnwood, Washington passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025. Gary was born on December 8, 1939, to Lehr and Margaret Bishop in Pontiac, Michigan. Gary grew up in Michigan with his brother Doyse and his mother Margaret and stepfather Milton after his parents had divorced. Gary wanted to travel so he joined the Air Force at the age of 18 years old.

Gary attended Auburn Heights High School before joining the Air Force. He served his country for 12 years and during the Vietnam War. He was a load master. Gary earned the Flying Cross by shooting out flares to protect our American Troops. His plane took a hit and barely made it back to the base safely all the while fighting off the enemy troops. Gary met his bride Frances at a bowling alley in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. They loved to go bowling and listen to live music. Upon leaving the Air Force he joined Flying Tigers before switching to Airborne Express, which paved the way for a successful career for himself.

On June 4, 1966, Gary married the love of his life Frances Irene at St. Jude Church in Detroit, Michigan. They would go on to raise 1 daughter Sharon and 1 son Larry. The family moved from Romulus, Michigan to Aurora, Colorado in 1978. Then in 1983 Airborne Express moved the family to Lynnwood, Washington. There he worked at the main office in downtown Seattle.

Throughout his life Gary loved golfing and participating in his yearly golf trips. He and Fran enjoyed bowling so much they joined a bowling team with their best friends Steve and Debbie. Gary and Fran would visit his mom Margaret each spring in Lakeland, Florida then at the end of spring go to Vegas with their best friends.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Frances Bishop, his daughter Sharon Bishop of Mountlake Terrace, his son Larry Bishop of Everett; his 3 grandchildren, Brittany Cantave, Sabrina Bishop, and Katrina Gibbs; as well as his 5 great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Olivia, Calliope, Violet and Kayden.

Acknowledgements

The family of Gary Bishop wish to express deep appreciation and sincere thanks for your kind expression of sympathy during these hours of sorrow.