Milton Lee Bishop

Milton Lee Bishop

1938-2021

Milton Lee Bishop, 82, was born on October 11, 1938 to Henry and Bonnie (Pickens) Bishop in Drumright, Oklahoma.

Milton graduated from Shawnee High School in 1956, where he was the Drum Major in the band.  He was a physics major at Oklahoma Baptist University and graduated in 1962.  After graduating, Milton worked for Dowell-Schlumberger Oil Services for over 30 years.  He was the Regional Chemical Manager, and during his career, he was awarded three patents for oil field services.  After retiring from the oil services field, Milton worked in the Petroleum Engineer Department at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a Faculty Advisor and Mentor for Graduate Students and PhD Candidates for 12 years.  In 2007, Milton was awarded OBU’s “Profiles in Excellence” award.  He retired from OU to enjoy time at home with 5 grandkids and an acre of land.

Milton and Sandy Bishop married in 1960 and were married for 60 years.  They enjoyed traveling throughout America with Road Scholars, from Boston and Philadelphia to his favorite, Yellowstone National Park.  The couple continued to travel world-wide, including Australia and Israel.  While not traveling, Milton spent time in his community playing tennis and softball well into his 40s.  Milton and Sandy also enjoyed watching sports, being season ticket holders for OU football and men’s and women’s basketball, as well as being Thunder fans.  He was always front-row at every grandkid’s soccer game, tennis match and dance recital.  Milton never missed a birthday or school program, and he enjoyed every reason to get together and celebrate.  In his later years, Milton was described as a “tinkerer”, fixing anything that was broken or needing restoring.  He had a fondness for antiques and grandfather clocks-he was known as the one who can fix it.

Milton’s favorite thing was to be outside; nature spoke to his nature of being kind and giving back, but also having a need for order and preparedness.  He was a strong and abundant provider for his family.  He valued education and continuously offered opportunities and assistance to those who wanted to learn.  Many people admired Milton and thought he was bigger than life.  He was a rare combination of brilliance and humility, stability and compassion, persistence and perseverance.  Milton was the best husband, brother, brother-in-law, father and Poppa on earth.  The consummate jack-of-all-trades.  A generous gentleman who would be there to help if your ox was in a ditch.  He left this place better than he found it, and we’ll miss him.

Milton is survived by his wife Sandy, daughter Kathy Corken and husband Trent, son Kelly Bishop and wife Angie, grandchildren Kelsey Corken and husband Russ Naylor, Scott Corken and wife Kylee, Mary Bishop, John Bishop, Luke Bishop, great-grandchildren Tommie and Everly Corken, brother Tom Bishop and wife Chris, brother-in-law Bill Shields and wife Kaye, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donavon Bishop.

Milton’s life will be celebrated at a private family service.  In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Bishop Math and Science Scholarship at OBU, 500 West University, Shawnee, OK 74804.