Harold R. Bishop

Harold R. Bishop, 88, Albany, died Wednesday September 6, 2023 at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville following a brief unexpected illness.  Born in Dunkirk on August 14, 1935, he grew up there and was a 1953 graduate of Dunkirk High School.  Harold was a U.S. Army veteran and served in Germany during the Korean War.  He owned & operated HDRK Co., Inc., in Albany for over 45 years and was a water pump designer engineer for Warner Machine/Essex International before opening his own business.  Having a vast knowledge of the industry, he was well known to local farmers for rebuilding their water pumps.  He retired in 2021.

Harold was a 50+ year member and Past Master of Anthony Lodge No. 171, F. & A.M., Albany, and belonged to American Legion Post 167, Albany.  In his own style of orneriness, he loved to tell a good joke or story and relished the opportunity to tease family members.  He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone.  He was a former Boy Scout and enjoyed doing word searches, working in his garden, going to the lake & having a good fish sandwich.  Family vacations to Florida/hunting for sea shells, family holiday gatherings, his beloved Corvettes (his pride & joy), and creating memories with his children/grandchildren whom he cherished.  He also loved playing golf and was given the name “Hardwood” by friends Dick Arens and Hubert Kirkwood.

Survivors include his daughters: Krista Taflinger (husband: Grant), Albany, and Lorrie Walker (husband: Rick), Ossian; 6 grandchildren: Evan Taflinger (wife: Ashton), Daydn Taflinger, Chase Walker, Cole Walker (wife: Rachel), Garret Walker (girlfriend: Faith Didier), and Hope Walker; 2 great-grandchildren: Bentley & Brody Taflinger; nieces, nephews, cousins, and long time friend: Floyd Williams.

His wife of 64 years, Vergene M. (Bartlett) Bishop, died in January of this year.  Also deceased are his parents: Raymond H. & Dorothy P. (Locke) Bishop, sisters and brothers-in-law: Alice Johnsonbaugh (husband: Bob), Eleanor Morris (husband: Merval), and Karon Hancock (husband: Clarence); nephew: Jeffery Hancock, and good friend: Hubert Kirkwood.

Visiting hours are 1-3 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Meacham Funeral Service with Masonic rites at 3 p.m.  Burial will follow at Strong Cemetery with military services conducted by Veterans of Delaware County Honor Guard.

Memorials may be sent to American Legion Post 167, 128 W. State St., Albany, IN 47320 or Anthony Lodge No. 171, P.O. Box 25, Albany, IN 47320.

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