Ferdinand "Ferd" Jennings Bishop was born in Creole, Louisiana on January 4th, 1931, as the youngest of five children, born to his father, Eli Bishop and mother Lula Mae Savoy. He transitioned from this earth on June 13th , 2023 at the age of 92.
In 1950, at age 19, Ferd was drafted into the United States Army to fight in the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Creole and began working alongside his brother-in-law as a mechanic and body repairman. He was also employed by Bargeman concrete and plumbing company after many years of auto repair. It goes without saying, Ferd was known to many as a "Mr. Fixit". Home repairs, plumbing, auto repairs, landscaping, etc., Ferd seemed to be able to do it all. Although he was a hard worker, he was by no means all work and no play. The saying “work hard, play hard” was definitely Ferd’s attitude towards life. He loved playing BINGO, dominos, cards, fishing, and most of all, his smooth Zydeco dancing. He loved spending time with his family and he kept up all of his hobbies until his late eighties.
He was a lifelong resident of Creole, LA, until 2005 when the home he shared with his sister Edith was destroyed by Hurricane Rita and the two of them moved in with their sister Gladys in Lake Charles. He would spend the rest of his days in Lake Charles with family. Although he did hang up his Zydeco shoes, that didn’t mean he would sit still. He still enjoyed his daily walks, chilling in his recliner, watching westerns, and eating his sweets. Ferd was a beloved member of his family and everyone was always thrilled to see him. You knew you would laugh at his stories or his quick-witted comebacks while he shook his fist at you. He is forever loved and never, ever, forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Leslie Arnold Bishop; and three sisters, Gladys Edwina Bishop Harmon(Charlie), Anna Irene Bishop LeBlanc(Raymond) and Edith Mae Bishop. Although he never married nor had children, he is survived by many loving nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
The family will welcome the public for visitation Saturday, June 17, 2023 at J. E. Hixson & Sons Funeral Home from 10am until time of funeral service at 11am. Interment along with military honors will follow at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Cameron, Louisiana.
The family would like to thank everyone involved in the care of Ferdinand. In particular, a very special thanks to the nurses of Evangeline Home Health, the staff of Harbor Hospice, and Ms. Donna, Ms. Tracy and Ms. Jasmine for their care and support.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.JEHixson.com for the Bishop family.
