Gary Roger Bishop, 85, passed away on October 17, 2026. He was born September 2, 1941 in Canton, Ohio to the late Roger B. and Daun J. (Slusser) Bishop.

Gary grew up in North Canton, Ohio and enjoyed raising rabbits with his father and brother for a few years and selling them to a local butcher shop. He also enjoyed being team manager for football and baseball in high school. His family spent a weekend at Heidelberg Beach each summer, where Gary had numerous water-skiing ventures with buddies. He played golf at an early age and enjoyed playing for many years. Additionally, he was an avid reader.

After graduating from Heidelberg College in Tiffin in 1963, he attended the University of Michigan for a year before being hired at Marathon Oil in Findlay. He later completed his MBA from Bowling Green State University and spent a total of 35 years with Marathon, primarily in the Economics Department, forecasting oil prices.

He met Marilyn J. Hirschler during his senior year at Heidelberg. They married following her graduation in 1966. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage together (with all but five in Bluffton). Gary is survived by three children, Jeff (Kathy) Bishop of Bluffton, Dan (Carola) Bishop of Denver, CO and Emily (Jon) Emery of Beavercreek, OH. There are five grandchildren: Anwyn, Kasandra, Justin Bishop and Ethan and Taylor Emery. His younger brother Dale (Pat), lives in West Bend, Wisconsin.

Gary spent many years volunteering in Bluffton in various organizations, including the First Mennonite Church commissions as long-time treasurer.  Moreover, he was both a board member and long-time treasurer of Weekday Christian Education and Mennonite Brotherhood Aid, as well as serving on the Bluffton Industrial Expansion Corporation. Gary served as the Bluffton Lions Club president, treasurer, and executive board member, sat on the United Way of Bluffton board and Bluffton Family Recreation board. Gary also spent fourteen years on Bluffton’s School Board, serving as president or vice-president for six of those years. Soccer became a lasting interest as his children grew. Gary and three others offered to take charge for many years to help the soccer program grow further in Bluffton.

Gary loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. He also developed a love for traveling. His favorite destinations were Australia, New Zealand and Alaska.

Gary’s family would like to express a special thanks to the staff at Betty House-Willow Ridge for their loving care, constant encouragement and incredible support.

Visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton. Gary’s memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, with Todd Cosart officiating. Private burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benevolent Care Fund of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio-Willow Ridge or to the Edmund J. and Alfred E. Hirschler Scholarship of Bluffton University.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.