BISHMAN, Merle Kenneth

Published by Today's News Herald on Jul. 23, 2023 - Lake Havasu City, Arizona - Merle Kenneth (Ken) Bishman, 84, passed away on July 11, 2023 in Lake Havasu City, of congestive heart failure. Ken was born on May 19, 1939 in San Bernardino, California and raised in Rialto, California until attending San Bernardino High School, graduating in 1957. After working several jobs in construction, Ken joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department in 1962 and remained there until retiring in 1993 with the rank of captain. Ken married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Jo Hydinger, in 1959 and had two children, Joanna and Michael; they divorced in 1977. In 1978, he met and married Barbara Ann Cowell who had two daughters, Gina and Debbie. In 1988 Ken received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management from the University of Redlands. Ken and Barb retired to Lake Havasu City and built their dream home. Ken was a member of the Goatheads motorcycle club, Elks Lodge, Eagles and the Yacht Club. He and Barb led an active retirement life enjoying boating, fishing, golfing, and entertaining. They traveled all over the United States and Egypt. After a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, Barb preceded Ken in death in 2018. Ken is also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Deborah Langstaff. He is survived by his children Joanna (Alan) Courtney, Michael (Gretchen) Bishman, Gina James and Debbie Guindon, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Ken's motto and final advice in life was "Remember, life's too short to drink cheap whiskey". Cheers to you Ken. Rest in peace. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023 at the Elks Lodge, Lake Havasu City.