Clifford Bishop

Clifford Bishop was an honest, hardworking man, dedicated to his family and loyal to his friends. He worked hard to care for his loved ones and would sacrifice whatever was necessary to make sure they had what they needed. Yet, Cliff also took time to enjoy some of his favorite pastimes of bowling, hunting, fishing and camping. Nothing made him happier than sharing these activities with his children and grandchildren. In the year 1933, America found itself in trouble as the Great Depression pushed toward new heights. One in every four individuals was unemployed, and those who had jobs were usually overworked and underpaid. It was a hard and challenging time, but in Obion, Tennessee, Dale Bishop and his wife, Thelma (Keith), maintained their positive spirits by focusing on a special blessing in their lives. On June 27, 1932, they welcomed the birth of their first child, a son they named Clifford Lloyd Bishop. He was eventually joined by three younger brothers, Bill, Jerry and Jim, who rounded out the Bishop household with four children. Cliff was just a young boy when his family moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where his father found work in a local foundry. Cliff enjoyed a typical childhood growing up in the Bluffton neighborhood, playing baseball with his brothers and participating in Boy Scouts; he proudly attained the highest ranking of Eagle Scout. For education, Cliff attended Bunker Elementary and went on to graduate from Muskegon High School in 1951. He then followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Cliff proudly served his country for 3 years in North Carolina as a Hospital Corpsman, before receiving his honorable discharge. Once home in Muskegon, he continued to serve as a Naval Reservist for several more years. After some time, Cliff met and married Bonnie Markowski and they had a son together, Steven. To provide for his growing family, Cliff began driving a truck for Butternut Breads. Unfortunately, his marriage to Bonnie ended after only a short time. Cliff stayed busy with work, and it was while making his regular delivery to a grocery store that he met Florence Cassell, and it wasnt long before they began dating. Hopelessly in love, Cliff and Florence were married in 1958, and settled down to start a family together. Over the next few years, they became the proud parents of three children: Phillip (1959), Joseph (1961), and Miya (1963). They raised their children in a house on Henry Street, close to where Florence operated a dance studio. Cliff always enjoyed helping to build the sets for her productions. Although their marriage ended after only 7 years, Cliff always held a special place in his heart for Florence. Having a strong family was important to Cliff, and he never lived far from his children. He was truly devoted to his kids and took an active role in every phase of their lives. On his weekend visits, he would often pack the big Army tent and camping provisions, and they would head to an area campground, like Pioneer Park or in Manistee, where they created all kinds of fun together. Cliff also liked to take his kids bowling, and on occasion, they would ride along with him on his delivery runs. Although his kids were a big part of his life, Cliff decided to try his luck at love again and married Kay Jenkins. After saying I do, they moved to Grand Rapids, while Cliff continued to deliver bread. However, this marriage also ended after only a short time. In 1978, Cliff decided to change career paths and went to work at Cannon Muskegon as a Machine Operator. He remained here for 16 years before retiring in 1994. Shortly after, Cliff downsized his living quarters and moved to the Oaks Mobile Home Park. Cliff wasnt really one to sit and be idle, and he had many interests and hobbies he enjoyed over the years. While still working at Cannon, he played on the company baseball team, and bowled on a few different leagues. A big country music fan, Cliff took several trips to Branson, Missouri to see a few of his favorite performers, and then stopped in to visit some of his relatives on the way back. Being outdoors was something he always enjoyed from his youngest years. He liked deer (and squirrel) hunting with his son Joe until his health forced him to stop. He also liked fishing, though he liked the change of fly fishing once in a while. In his quieter moments, Cliff liked to watch TV, particularly court shows and baseball games. For the last few years, his little dog, Mattie, has been his close companion. Cliff still enjoyed getting out and making his rounds at several local clubs, where he visited with friends and even customers from his route. His daily routine became so regular that when his neighbors noticed he wasnt doing his normal things, they knew something was wrong. Sadly, Cliff died in his home on Wednesday, April 17, 2012. A devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend, Cliff will be greatly missed and remembered always. Cliff is survived by three sons, Steven (Elaine) Bishop of Grandville, Phillip Bishop of Muskegon, Joseph (Michelle) Bishop of Muskegon; daughter, Miya Rollenhagen of Muskegon; grandchildren: Richard, Rebecca, James, Amber, Kalie, Michael, Carlin, Cole; brothers, Bill (Barb) Bishop, Jim (Pat) Bishop, both of Muskegon; former spouse, Bonnie; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry, and former spouse, Florence Cassell. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 28, at 4:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Visitation is on Saturday, 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Please visit Cliffords personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you may share a memory and sign the online guest book.