Obituary of Ronald Bishop, Jr

Colonel (Ret) Ronald John Bates Bishop, Jr, age 89, of Parker, CO, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. He was born on June 28, 1933 in Scranton, PA, the son of Jane (Prynn) and Ronald Bishop.

Colonel Bishop was a 1957 graduate of the US Naval Academy and commissioned into the US Air Force. Immediately following graduation, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Barbara Hilwig. Together they would serve the military with the highest honor, including assignments to multiple military bases throughout the United States. Except for his dedication to his wife and family, Colonel Bishop’s dedication to the service of his country and those in his command were of highest importance. In 1980, Colonel Bishop was assigned to Little Rock AFB in Little Rock, AR where he served as the 308th Wing Commander until his retirement from the military in 1982.

Colonel Bishop and his wife settled in Arizona after retiring. He enjoyed golfing several times a week, working in the yard, and doing whatever was on his “to do” list. They relocated to Colorado seven years ago. His family enjoyed his animated stories of life in the military and the joy that this service to his country brought to him.

Colonel Bishop is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of nearly 65 years, Barbara H. Bishop on March 2, 2022

Survivors include his four children; Denise Bishop, Mark Bishop, Brad Bishop (Sheryl), Lisa Toratti (Ted); 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held at 12:00 pm, Monday, December 19, 2022 at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Flowers can be sent to Ponderosa Valley Funeral Services in Parker Colorado or a onetime donation can be given to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his honor.