BISHOP, Dewey (Fess)

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona Thursday, October 30, 2014 Dewey ‘Fess’ Bishop Dewey "Fess" Bishop, 88, longtime resident of McGuireville, passed away October 20, 2014, with his family by his side. Dewey was born December 21, 1925, to Oliver and Virtie (Moore) Bishop in Wellington, TX, where he grew up with 10 siblings. Dewey enlisted in the Army in 1943 at the age of 17, where he manned a 57mm anti-tank gun for the 119th Regiment, 30th Division. Shortly after returning home in 1945, he moved to Arizona, married and started a family. He worked in road and bridge construction until his retirement. Dewey was a humble man that didn't need much in life to be happy and content. As long as he had a dollar cigar in one hand and a fishing pole in the other, he was in heaven. One of Dewey's passions was telling stories of his experiences in WWII. As anyone who had the privilege of hearing his stories would attest, Dewey would beam with pride and come alive as he shared stories of battles, close calls, and the bravery of fellow soldiers. Many of his stories were published in a series of articles for local newspapers. Dewey would say that second only to family, serving his country and making it home safe were his greatest accomplishments in life. From Dewey's trademark "John Wayne" stance, cowboy hat and dollar cigar, to his sometimes gritty but always entertaining stories and jokes, he will be missed. Dewey is survived by his brother Floyd Bishop of Norman, OK, his children Marvin Bishop, Jeannette Courtney, Sherrie Mason, Darlene Kennedy, Alan Bishop, Clay Bishop, Lavon Ruiz, Ida Hazelwood, Bryan Bishop, 24 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 8 great, great grandchildren. A military service will be held at Prescott National Cemetery where Dewey's ashes will be laid to rest on November 12, 2014 at 10:00 AM. For those who would like to watch a tribute video of pictures from Dewey's life, go to the following link: http://youtu.be/Lmvm-EzDOyg. Information provided by survivors.