George Neal Bishop

George Neal Bishop, 71, of Springfield, died at 6:08 a.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center. George was born November 19, 1942 in Gillespie, the son of Robert and Diane Severn Bishop. He married Mary Heckler Brown on February 27, 1988 in Springfield. His parents preceded him in death. George graduated from Gillespie High School, earned his Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology, continued his studies in Christian Education and received his PhD in 2011. He proudly served his country as a United States Navy Corpsman. He was employed at Dura-Kraft for 20 years and later as a trainer for the State of Illinois for 11 years. He was a member of the Springfield 1st Church of the Nazarene. His most important work, and dearest to his heart for over 40 years, was his various ministries with many churches, serving as Choir Director, Worship Leader and Teacher. He was very passionate about MIAs lost in war. He loved his country (and of course, his Harley Davidson and '76 Ford F100). He is survived by his wife, Mary Bishop of Springfield, his six children, Kim (Joe) Brittin of Springfield, Jane (Greg) Hallum of Ishpeming, MI, Yvette (Tim) Gibson of Huntsville, MO, Lori Brown of Temecula, CA, Matthew Bishop of NC, and Aaron (Barb) Bishop of Benld; fifteen grandchildren, Bradley Brittin, Melissa Brittin, Amanda (Kyle) Kozak, Jaime (Chace) Galloway, Jenny Knight (Ron), Jaimee (Chad) Dobson, Emily Hallum (Josh), Elyssa (Adam) Gregurash, Eryn Hallum (Jason), Jedd Hallum, Samuel (Elaine) Gibson, Philip Gibson, Caleb Gibson, Hannah Gibson, and Rachel Gibson; thirteen great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Bishop; and multiple nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Additional Visitation and Funeral Service: 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at Springfield 1st Church of the Nazarene, 5200 S 6th St. Frontage Rd. E., Springfield with Pastor Fred Prince officiating. Burial will be held at Bethany Marrowbone Township Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2014. Memorial contributions may be made to: Springfield 1st Church of the Nazarene, 5200 S 6th St. Frontage Rd. E., Springfield, IL 62703.