Thomas Bishop Obituary

Thomas L. "Tom" Bishop

Thomas L. "Tom" Bishop, 78, of rural Findlay, passed away at 7:22 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, at Blanchard Valley Hospital.

Tom was born March 31, 1944, in Findlay, to the late Paul E. and Virginia (Riemund) Bishop and stepmother, Martha Bishop. He first married Connie Bishop and they divorced. He then married Judy A. Shafer on Aug. 25, 1972, in Monroe, Michigan, and she survives in rural Findlay.

Tom has four children, Richard "Rick" L. Bishop (deceased), Robert L. "Rob" (Daphnae) of rural Findlay, Robyn L. (Bryan Zehender) Stauffer of Findlay, and Jacqueline "Jackie" M. (Tony) Tesnow of rural Findlay. Tom has three sisters, Sue A. Gibson (deceased), Kay E. (David) Smith of Wadsworth, and Linda C. (Ed) Houck of Findlay, a brother, Michael K. Bishop (deceased), a step-brother, Dean (Jean) Reichley (deceased), grandchildren, Katherine (Colten) McCullough, Levi (Tawnie) Bishop, Heather Bishop, Andrew Stauffer, Jacob Stauffer, and Mackenzie Tesnow, great-grandchildren, Kaly McCullough, Chloe McCullough, Brynn McCullough, Liam Bishop, and Nova Bishop, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom graduated from Findlay High School in 1962. Tom began his work career in farming with his dad, Paul Bishop. In 1971, he began driving semi-truck for Hofer Trucking, then R and W Trucking. Tom joined into the family grain and produce business in 1976 with Harold/Marilyn and Joe/Cheryl Shafer. He partnered with Shafer's Produce until 2019, yet continued to grain farm until his passing. Anyone who knew Tom knew he took great pride in his farm machinery and farm appearance. When it came to straw season and bad weather was moving in, his famous words were "I think we can make it one more round," but we never actually finished the round of baling and we always ended up soaking wet.

Family was everything to Tom. He loved playing Monopoly with the kids and demanded that everyone receive an extra $500 at the beginning of the game. Tom's secret to winning the Monopoly game was hiding money under his leg! He always had the television volume at its peak when watching westerns and war movies. When Tom was young, he always loved watching The Howdy Doody Show. Tom loved his entire family and was very proud of each and every one of them. He was always there at any given time to help in any way he could. But, he proudly taught them to work hard and be independent.

He enjoyed watching NASCAR, movies on TV, playing board games, and time spent with family. He loved cookouts at Caufman's woods. Always asking when the next one was going to be. He enjoyed Ohio State Buckeye football and Pittsburgh Steelers. Tom was very determined when it came to things with health issues that would arise. He fought hard and long, but this time he "had enough." LOVE YOU MORE"

Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. Tom's funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at the funeral home with Pastor Amy Kuhlman officiating. Burial will follow at Bechtel Cemetery, Van Buren.

Memorials may be directed to American Heart Association, 5211 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45227, or Hancock County Agricultural Society, 1017 E. Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840. Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.