Former Spoon River College President, Hearl C. Bishop, passes away at the age of 94. Hearl Bishop

Canton –At the time of his passing, he was a resident of Farmington Country Manor, Farmington, IL. Mr. Bishop was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Ilene (Dickey) Bishop in 2000. They had been married since 1946. He is survived by sons, Dan Bishop (Connie Huttes Bishop), Jack Bishop (Karla Hatcher Bishop), and his daughter, Beth Chapman (Philip Chapman).  Grandchildren, Amy Deakin, Emily Deakin Harmony (Faron Harmony), Jennifer Bishop (Justin Hood) and Katie Bishop.  Along with great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Deakin, Dustin, Jadlyn, Victoria, and Faron Harmony and Hunter Hood.  Also, survived by two brothers, Bill (Paducah, KY) and Bruce Bishop; and sister, Louise (Bishop) Eastwood from Southern Illinois.
Mr. Bishop was born in Karnak, IL, a small town in Southern IL, December 24, 1920.  He attended Southern Illinois University where he received his BA degree and Masters in Education.  He was the Agriculture teacher at Eldorado High School, from 1946-1961.  He then advanced his career into education administration.  He was hired as the Assistant Principal at Ridgeway High School, Ridgeway, IL for two years.
He moved his family North and continued in the administration field as Principal at Mahomet-Seymour High School, Mahomet, IL, 1963-1966.  While working in the school district, he worked on his doctorate in Business Administration at University of Illinois.
In 1966, his career brought him to Canton, IL.  He was hired as the Dean of Canton Community College, which was located in the downtown area.  He was the pioneer, along with the valued assistance of Dr. William Taylor and Harold Swartzbaugh, with many supporters who worked tirelessly for two years to realize a successful referendum to see CCC rise to a Class I Junior College status in 1968.  The community junior college would become known as Spoon River College.  Groundbreaking began in 1972, for the new campus on the outskirts of Canton.  Mr. Bishop was named the first President while with the college, continuing his work until his retirement in 1978.
The dedication of Mr. Bishop’s endeavor for higher education inspired growth with three satellite campuses in Central IL in the cities of Macomb, Rushville, and Havana, after his retirement.
He enjoyed his days of leisure golfing with friends and challenging rounds with his sons.  The three enjoyed fishing locally; and trips out West which proved to be adventurous for the threesome.  He enjoyed playing billiards at the Canton Senior Center.  He lived his life to the fullest and was a pillar in the Canton community.
Visitation will be at the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home, 1601 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL, Friday evening, October 2, from 5-7 p.m.  Funeral services, 11:00 a.m. Saturday October 3, will be at Wesley United Methodist Church, 120 N. Ave A, Canton, IL.  Graveside services will follow at Shields Chapel Cemetery and a luncheon will be served at the church afterwards.
Mr. Bishop resided on West Maple Street in Canton, IL.  Mailing address is c/o Beth Chapman, 109 Pleasant St. PO Box 176, Emden, IL  62635.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Canton Senior Center at Big Creek Park.
To leave online condolences, please visit Oaks-Hines Funeral Home