Mr. Horace Leycle Bishop, of Alpha, Illinois died peacefully at 9:19 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020, the age of 96 two days before his 97th birthday at Seminary Manor, Galesburg, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite on April 21, 2016. He is survived by two sisters, Marie Sohner and Dora Orvin and his son, Robert Bishop, living in Paris, France. He is a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in New Windsor.
During WWII Horace was sent to military hospital located in Galesburg to recuperate from injuries received during the Siefried Line Rhineland Campaign (Germany). He married a local girl, Marguerite A. Swanson July 5, 1945 in Galesburg and made his life in this area. Horace was decorated for his military service receiving the high ranking Bronze Star Medal for heroism performed in combat.
With war interrupting his education, he took night and weekend classes driving to Western Illinois University from his home on Locust St. in Galesburg. He taught and was principal at AlWood Community Schools until his retirement in 1985.
Horace and Marguerite enjoyed their life together. During the 1950’s they were avid square dancers. During the 1960’s he built a family cottage on the Mississippi River near Gladstone, where they spent most weekends. During the 1970’s he cleared land around Pope Creek building a house and farm where he enjoyed raising prize Black Angus cattle. In later years he and his wife travelled the world bringing home memories and photos from Australia, China, Europe, and Russia.
He was born June 19, 1923 in Nebraska, son of Charley and Ethel (Rosencrantz) Bishop. Growing up during the Depression Era, he was part of what many call “The Greatest Generation.” Marked by the hardships of farming in Nebraska during the drought years, Horace maintained a life-long sympathy for people struggling to put food on the table. His sense of humor and integrity will be missed by all touched by his life.
At Seminary Manor- where the old US Army hospital once stood- Horace would sometimes look out the window and say “Looks like I’ll be leaving Galesburg right where the army train dropped me off when I got here.”
Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2020 at Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Pastor Julie Monnard will officiate. There will be no visitation. Instead of flowers, please make memorial donations by check to F.I.S.H. of Galesburg (food pantry). Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
