L. John Bishop

John commented numerous times that he learned as a boy everything he needed to know about how to conduct his life at a small, white, wood frame Methodist church in his hometown. While in high school and in the middle of the Depression, John caddied for Stuart V. Smith who took a liking to him. Mr. Smith paid John's way to Massachusetts State College where John graduated in 1942 and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

John was a combat veteran of the Second World War, serving as a Lead Navigator in the 8th Air Force, leading some of the most important bombing missions against Germany. He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, six Air Medals and five Battle Stars.

After discharge he was a Senior Navigator for Pan American World Airways, making weekly trips between New York and Paris. It was then that John met his wife Helen (Stigall), who was a TWA Flight Attendant.

John joined his benefactor and friend, Mr. Smith, at Wyeth Laboratories in 1946 and began a 26 year career in the pharmaceutical industry. In 1973, John and his son Stuart started Pharmacy Systems, Inc. where they have worked together for over 40 years.

John had a lifelong love of golf, was an accomplished player and won the 1976 Ohio Golf Association Senior Amateur Championship. He was a member of Scioto Country Club, Muirfield Village Golf Club and Wequetonsing Golf Club.

John was a licensed pilot and took many trips in the airplanes he owned. John and his family have spent every summer since 1953 at their summer home in Harbor Springs, Michigan, a place that he truly loved. John recently remarked, "I have done alright with my life for a boy who grew up poor."

In addition to his parents and three siblings, John was preceded in death by Helen after 57 loving years of marriage. He is survived by his sons, Stuart A. (Patty) Bishop and Robert L. (Liz) Bishop; grandchildren, John R. (Maria) Bishop, Michael A. (Beth) Bishop, Kelly C. (Alvin) Murphy, Katelyn R. Bishop and Samuel L. Bishop; 5 great grandchildren; and many friends.

A Celebration of his life will be held Friday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m. at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43221, where family will receive friends an hour prior. Reception to follow. Rev. Jim Long officiating. Interment Union Cemetery. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL (614) 457-5481.