Elmer was born on June 30th, 1935 to parents William W. and Mina Mae Bishop in Avalon Mo. In 1945 the family relocated to Belton as Elmer was seriously injured in an accident while celebrating the end of WW2. Elmer spent many months recovering at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.
He graduated in 1954 from Belton High School where he was co-captain of the 1953 undefeated football team. Along the way he met the love of his life Patricia Wyman. They married on July 2nd, 1954 and were together till Pat’s passing in March of 2010. They were married just shy of 56 years. Elmer was preceded in death by his brother Howard W Bishop. He is survived by his children, Kenneth Bishop ( Crystal ) of Raymore, Mo. And Susan McCune (Doug) of Green Valley, Az. Grandchildren Bret Bishop and Kendra Sherwood (Zach) and great grandchildren Odin Bishop and Jane Andy Sherwood. Also, his sister Helen Hatz of Kansas City along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Elmer joined the Carpenter’s Union Local 61 in March of 1958 where he completed his apprenticeship and eventually went to work for JE Dunn construction in 1964. He retired from JE Dunn in May of 1999 after a great career of building landmark projects. He touched and mentored many future Superintendents and PM’s during his 35-year career with Dunn.
His life away from work had many chapters. Coaching little league baseball and football was a true passion. Camping, hunting and fishing was a family affair. Later in life he and Pat took up golf which also became a family affair and opened a whole new group of friends and travel opportunities.
He and Pat lived in Grandview Mo. from 1959 till 1992. During their 33 years in Grandview they were members of the Grandview United Methodist Church. He also served as Police Judge and later Mayor of Grandview.
In 1992 they relocated to Harrisonville and became members of the Harrisonville United Methodist Church. They were members of Twin Pines CC where they made long lasting friendships with many wonderful people.
In 1999 when Elmer retired, he and Pat became Snowbirds and spent their winters in south Texas at River Bend Resort near Brownsville. They were very active in the golf community and made many great friendships along the way. They enjoyed many day trips to Mexico for lunch, shopping and good margaritas. They continued to spend their summers in Missouri.
In 2019 Elmer decided it was time to downsize and made the move to Foxwood Springs Retirement community. He lived in the independent living apartments until his passing.
He will be sorely missed by family and friends, but he is in better place. He had a strong belief in our Lord Jesus Christ and was ready to be with Patricia once again.
