Obituary of Robert Deen Bishop

BISHOP, Robert "Bob" Deen passed away April 17, 2018. He fought valiantly to the end, but ultimately could not fight anymore. Bob was born in Reeds Spring, Missouri on September 25, 1932, to Marjorie and Curtis Bishop. His family moved to Tucson when Bob was very young. After attending Tucson High School, Bob enlisted in the Navy. He proudly served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in July 1953. Becoming proficient in the installation of carpet and all flooring, Bob established Bishop Carpet Service, which he managed until retiring. Bob was an avid bowler who bowled in the Happy Golden League at Golden Pins Bowling Lanes for many years. He enjoyed country music and country dancing, fishing and boating, but his real passion was race car driving. Bob raced late model stock cars at the dirt tracks Manzanita Raceway and Raven Raceway for years, where he earned the nickname "Fireball Bob." He also enjoyed watching racing, but especially loved watching when his son, "Rocket Ron," was at the wheel. Most of all, Bob loved his family, and was happiest when he was spending time with them. He will be deeply missed, but his amazing spirit will live on in all our hearts. Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father; his brothers, Jerry, Glenn and Tom and his sons, Rick, Rob, Ronnie and Russell. He is survived by the love of his life for 37 years, Mary Strickland; granddaughters, Chelsey Bishop (Mike Kramer), Jacey Bishop and Kelli Bishop; grandsons, Ronald "RJ" Bishop and Zacharia Bishop and many nieces, nephews and their children. Services will be held in his memory for family and very close friends at Evergreen Cemetery, on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.