Richard John Bishop, Jr.

Richard John Bishop, Jr., age 82, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on September 12, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born on December 15, 1943, in Hastings, Michigan, the son of Richard John and Phyllis Lobeth (Reid) Bishop, Sr.

Richard graduated from Hastings High School in 1962, where he played football and ran track. He later earned his automatic sprinkler certification from Pennsylvania State University.He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1971, stationed in Bad Kitzingen, Germany, where he was a sharpshooter.

Richard worked as a pipe fitter for Smith & Hammond and Viking. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and taking trips, attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally whenever he could. He also loved trap shooting and hunting and was a member of the Hastings Gun Club.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Sherry (Hoffman) Bishop; grandson, Ethan Bishop; sister, Suzette (Leon) Smith; and brother, Herbert Bishop.

He is survived by children Lori (Perry) Orton, Lisa (Amy) Town, and Brian Bishop; grandchildren, Hayley (Brett) Hammond, Elizabeth (Craig) Ross, and Schylar (Alexis) Orton, Addison Town, Sam Town, Charlie Town, Arianna Perkins, Nicole Orton, Brittney (Greg) Arruza; 12 great grandchildren; sister Carolyn Jean (Charlie) Steeby and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway St., Hastings, Michigan, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service, with burial at Rutland Township Cemetery after the luncheon.

Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.