On Friday, February 3, 2023, Travis Wayne Bishop, beloved husband, father, and son, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52 from complications due to a septic infection.
Travis was born on October 22, 1970 in Roswell, NM to Kenneth B. Bishop, Jr. and Karen Gilbert. Travis was raised in large part by his paternal grandparents, Ken and Joyce Bishop, while his father served overseas in the Army. Travis joined the Navy in 1997 and served for over 20 years, before retiring as a Senior Chief in 2017. He immediately transitioned into a teaching career he was passionate about as a Naval Science Instructor, first in Highland, AR and then in Willard, MO.
On January 1, 1998, he married Pamela Joy Johns and together they were raising one son, Declan Baird, who was Travis’s pride and joy.
A lifelong learner, Travis earned multiple degrees during his time in the Navy, including an associate’s degree in Persian Farsi, a bachelor’s degree in history, and a Master of Arts in Military Studies. In 2021, he earned his Education Specialist from the University of Central Missouri. Travis was actively pursuing a doctorate in P-20 and Community Leadership at Murray State University, looking at, “What is the return on expectations for education?”
Travis could often be found enjoying a beverage and a cigar on the back deck, watching his Texas Tech Red Raiders play football. He also loved throwing the football with his son, assembling various Star Wars Lego sets, and reading all types of nonfiction books.
Travis was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ken and Joyce Bishop, and maternal grandparents, Cecil and Darlene Gilbert, as well as his sister, Dana Determan. He is survived by his wife Pamela, his son Declan, his father Ken, his mother Karen, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 13th, 2023 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, MO from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 at Praise Assembly of God in Springfield, MO at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Hive, a nonprofit eatery in Willard, MO dedicated to providing opportunities for job skills to persons with disabilities.