David Bishop

David Bishop, 75, of Canton passed away on Wednesday October 11, 2017 at Graham Hospital in Canton.
He was born on August 9, 1942 in Canton to Dennis and Harriett (Campbell) Bishop, who preceded him in death.
He married Mary Louise (Bunch) Bishop on March 29, 1969 in Cuba.

Surviving are his wife, children, Erin Bishop of Nashville and Damon L. (Nancy) Bishop of San Antonio, and step-grandchildren, Anthony and Donovan; one twin brother, Ben (Kay) Bishop, nephew Derron Bishop (Charity) and niece Renée Bishop-Koch and son Campbell; sister-in-law Sharon (Mike) Bishop, niece Star (Aaron) Norton and children Maggie and Cole.

David graduated from Cuba High School and obtained his bachelors and masters degrees from WIU. He began his teaching career at Northwestern High School and moved to Canton High School, where he taught English, directed plays and coached the speech team for over 40 years. Later in his career, he taught at the Illinois River Correctional Center through SRC and ICC. In 1982, he received the WIU Alumni Achievement Award and in 1990, the Canton Chamber’s first Educator of the Year Award.  David was a passionate advocate of the arts – a community theater director and actor, a Fulton County Arts Council founder, and a master of many ceremonies.  He was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton where he sang in the choir. David was a also member of the Cuba Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite Consistory and IEA/NEA.

A Masonic service will be held at 2 pm on Friday October 13, 2017, followed by a Celebration of Life, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton; the Reverend Bruce Rushing will officiate. A private burial will be held at Cuba Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Little Giant Education Foundation, or to Wesley United Methodist Church. To leave online condolences please visit: www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com