Don Bishop

Don Bishop, 93, of Salina, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday March 14, 2024. He will always be known as a friend and mentor to everyone he met. Don was born on Aug 27, 1930, and raised in Gypsum, KS to Bertha C. (Glen Holcomb) and Wallace L. Bishop. He was a graduate of Gypsum High School in the class of 1950. Don joined the Navy in 1951 and was in the Construction Battalions Seabees. He was honorably discharged in 1953 after receiving the National Defense Service, Korean Service, United Nations Service, and Good Conduct Medals. He married the love of his life Kay (Kellams) Bishop in 1958 and had three loving sons.

His parents preceded him in death, as well as by his wife Kay (Kellams) Bishop, and sister and brother-in-law Carolyn and Jim Robinett, and his sister-in-law Veryl (Kellams) Leach. He is survived by his sons Don Bishop II, of Salina, Tom Bishop (Rena), of Salina, and Jim Bishop (Leslie), of Salina; his eight grandchildren, Jo Ann, Matthew, Scott, Donald, Steven, Nicole, Ashlee, and Evan, ten great-grandchildren, six nephews, five nieces; and numerous other extended family members.

Don worked in the aircraft industry, living in Wichita, Denver, CO, Ft. Worth, TX, and St. Charles, MO. He then moved into the motorcycle industry, working at a couple of dealerships in the area. Don and his family moved back to Salina in 1973. He opened Don's Motorcycle Service and Accessories, then Don's Suzuki. He spent more than 50 years in the motorcycle industry. Don also worked at Tony’s Pizza Service in the Maintenance Dept, retiring after 15 years there. He was one of the founding fathers of the Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club, and the annual Salina Toy Run. He was Lifetime member of The Retreads Motorcycle Club International and the America Motorcycle Association. Don also spent summers at Northern Tier High Adventure camp in MN repairing canoes and maintenance at the camp.

Don’s favorite past times were touring the U.S.A. on his motorcycles, watching NASCAR, K-State and KC Chiefs football, guns, and spending time with those he loved. His love of ketchup could rival Patrick Mahomes. A man who inspired the families’ love of motorcycles. If he could have been a NASCAR driver he would have asked for Dr. Pepper,  Burger King, and Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup, to sponsor him. We will dearly miss our  gun toting John Wayne.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 4th at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, luncheon to follow. A private burial will follow at Gypsum Hill Cemetery for the family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

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