Jacob ‘Jake’ Charles Bishop, 95, of New Riegel, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, surrounded by the tender love of his family. We should all hope to live such a long and full life and to touch as many lives with a light that shines as bright as Jake’s.
Jacob is survived by siblings, James (Paula) Bishop and Thelma (Wayne) Gershultz; son, Rev. Mark (Susan) Bishop; his daughters-in-law, Cindy Bishop (David), and Letitia Marth (Paul); ten grandchildren, Aundy (Jason) Teply, Nathan (Michelle) Bishop, Lee (Stana) Bishop, Mathew (Jessica Allen) Bishop, Andrew (Catherine Clark) Bishop, Bennett Bishop, Todd (Karly) McGee, Kim (Steve) Barnaclo, Connor Bishop, and Nikolas Bishop; and his loved 15 great-grandchildren.
His wife, Sylvia Risner Bishop; siblings, Helen Schlacter, Dorothy Schalk, Marie Geiger, Edna Cook; and his beloved sons, David and Paul Bishop preceded him in death.
Jake was born January 28, 1930, on a farm in rural Seneca County to Donald and Nellie Feasel Bishop. He graduated from McCutchenville High School in 1948, and on June 24, 1950, he married Sylvia, his devoted partner in family and business. Jake dedicated his life to his family and community. He first grew his community while running a milk route for Tiffin Dairy. He had a unique way of always staying connected with his family and friends to the very end. Always needing a project and never idle, Jake built and operated the Penwood Motel in Alvada with his wife Sylvia for 22 years. Growing in 1963, he purchased The Woodburn Motel, which he transformed into the now Best Western Falcon Plaza in Bowling Green. Within the walls of this successful business, he built a caring and supportive family. A hardworking and kind-hearted man, he was known for his strong values, love for his family, and quiet wisdom. Jake’s spirit will live on at the iconic “Falcon Plaza.”
Jake was a long-standing active Mason until his death. He joined the Masonic Lodge in 1964 and served as Master of Wyandot 314 in 1969, Vice President of the 16th District in 1972, President in 1973, Deputy Grand Master of the 16th District in 1976, District Deputy in 1979, and Worshipful Master for the Wyandot Lodge 314 in 2004. Jake was also a member of Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, Seneca Chapter No. 42, DeMolay Commandery No. 9 Knights Templar, Tiffin, Chapter Consistory Council or Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Toledo where he was a 32-degree Mason of Zenobia Shriners A.A.O.N.M.S. of Toledo, and a Noble in good standing.
In his later years, Jake enjoyed reading and decided to write his life story. His book “Thru the Years” was completed and printed for his family and friends to enjoy. He loved handing out his book and was pleased to find it in such demand that he had to order a second printing!
Visitation for Jacob will be from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Walton-Moore Funeral Home, Sycamore. Visitation will continue from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Trinity United Church of Christ, with funeral services beginning at 3 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Bethel Cemetery in McCutchenville. Pallbearers will be Jake’s grandsons, Nathan Bishop, Lee Bishop, Matthew Bishop, Andrew Bishop, Bennett Bishop, Todd McGee, Connor Bishop and Nikolas Bishop. A luncheon will follow the burial at the church.
Memorial contributions can be made to Adopt America Network, 3100 Central Avenue, Suite 255, Toledo, Ohio 43606, or Grand Lodge of Ohio Charitable Foundation, One Masonic Drive, Springfield, Ohio 45504.
