Marvin Dewey Bishop of Heber-Overgaard, Arizona passed away January 13, 2019 in Phoenix at the age of 72. Marvin was born July 17, 1946, in Tempe, Arizona and is survived by his wife of 50 years Karen, his son Tony, and his four daughters; Robin, Laurie, Julie, and Tracie. He was a proud grandfather to 9 grandkids; Tyler, Brandon, Dylan, Lindsey, Zakary, Ashton, Mikey, Scarlet, and Alyssa. He is also survived by 3 brothers; Alan, Clay, and Brian, and 6 sisters; Sandra, Jeannette, Sherrie, Darlene, Lavon, and Julie. Marvin was preceded in death by his mother Ruby Ellis Bishop, sister Janis, brother Roger, and father Dewey Bishop.
Marvin was loved and admired by all who knew him. His nieces and nephews looked up to him and thought of him as their ‘Dad’, too. His sister and brother in-laws respected and loved him- all referring to him as ‘one of the best’. He was a great example of what a husband, father, brother, and son should be.
He was always the leader in getting family softball and volleyball games scheduled, poker games set up, and hiking and camping trips planned. Although physical affection was foreign to him growing up, he was all about making sure he spent quality time with each and every one of his family members, always being present in the moment, and making everyone around him feel welcome and accepted. Marvin’s family was everything to him.
Marvin helped so many, especially his children, teaching them all he knew to be strong and be able to take care of themselves. If he loved you, you knew it. If he didn’t like someone so much, he was never one to hurt feelings. He enjoyed being with his family, especially his kids and grandkids.
Marvin grew up in Bakersfield, California. He met his wife Karen in Tempe and, while they lived most of their lives in Mesa, Arizona, they spent quite a few years living in Bakersfield as well.
He had worked hard and out in the heat for all those years and it took a toll on his body. In 2012 Marvin and Karen moved to Overgaard and finally fulfilled his dream of moving to the beautiful, cool pines for his retirement. Those last few years of his life were spent enjoying nature’s beauty, feeding his critters, and having family visit. Marvin was a gentle man. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him although, in our hearts, we know we will be with him again.
My love forever, Marvin, will be missed deeply, but I am trying to remember all of our good times together to keep me going. He loved his children and grandchildren and they were lucky to have such a person in their lives and they all know that.
Praying daily for my cousin and family. Their loss is devastating.