Marion L. Bishop

Marion Louis (M.L.) Bishop, 96, whose life blessed so many, many friends and loved ones, died Monday, July 11, 2011, at his home in Baytown, Texas. Born in Calvert, Texas, on November 24, 1914, he was the son of Felix Hines Bishop and Imogene Crouch Bishop. In 1940 he married Jewell Stanley and lived the greatest part of his life in Baytown. During his long and wonderful lifetime, M.L. was devoted to his family, his brothers and sisters, his church and his community. A political activist, he championed numerous political issues and was dedicated to reporting the truth about out-of-control federal spending, excessive taxation, and government waste and mismanagement through his famous character, Zeke, who "only speaks the truth" in the Zeke Informer.

M.L. started his career with the Humble Oil Company, and for thirty-five years, he was the owner of Bishop's Exxon, in Highlands, TX, said to be the "world's most famous gas station because he had the world's best customers."

In addition to his dedication and devotion to family and friends, M.L. was President of the Highlands Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow; deacon emeritus of Memorial Baptist Church, Baytown; the community "Ice Man" providing free ice to numerous churches and organizations; the driving force behind the establishment of a building for the Highlands Fire Department; one of the originators and charter member of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce; and a benefactor for numerous youth athletic groups for which a park was named in his honor.

M.L. was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Jewell, who passed away in December, 1991, and is survived by his daughter, Lynette Bishop Relyea; his son-in-law, A. Walden Ends; his son, Stanley W. Bishop and Chong Cha Stanaway; his granddaughters, Catherine Relyea Larson and her husband, Dr. Curtis Larson; Rebecca Bishop; Elizabeth Bishop Holton and her husband, Paul; and Anna Rambo and her husband, Philip. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Neil Benjamin Rambo, Grant Curtis Larson and Caleb Zachary Rambo.

Also surviving are his sisters Nellie Bishop Reagan of Houston; Bessie Bishop Perry of College Station, TX; brother-in-law Valden Robertson of College Station, TX and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions may be made in honor of M.L. to the Jewell Stanley and Marion Louis Bishop Scholarship Fund, Lee College Foundation, c/o Pam Warford, P.O. Box 818, Baytown, TX 77522.

Arrangements under the direction of Earthman Baytown Funeral Home, Baytown, TX.