ORAN, Mo. -- Delbert Dean Bishop Sr., 87, of Oran passed away Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 9, 1927, at Neelys Landing, son of Archie and Margaret "Maggie" Bullard Bishop. He and Marjorie "Margie" Weddle were married May 13, 1951, in Amity, Indiana. To this union four wonderful sons were born.

Delbert served in the United States Army from Feb. 26, 1948, until his honorable discharge Dec. 30, 1953. During his Army career, he was stationed in Korea, Germany and France.

He was called to the ministry in 1952, surrendering a rank to serve as chaplain assistant in Germany. After his return to the United States, he enrolled at Boliver Baptist College in Boliver, Missouri, to better prepare for serving the Lord, and was ordained at New Bethel Baptist Church near Pocahontas.

Delbert pastored several churches in Southeast Missouri, and was director of missions for the Cuba, Missouri, area. He helped with many mission trips to Iowa and Michigan, and worked with American Indian groups in Oklahoma. His first retirement was in 1994, but he continued to preach, pastoring his last church, Bement Baptist Church in Sikeston, Missouri, 13 years before health issues forced his final retirement.

He was a member of Oran Baptist Church, faithfully attending as health allowed. Delbert loved the Lord, loved to preach, and loved his church families, which was evident by his willingness to be available to them 24/7 for more than 59 years.

Loving survivors include his wife of 63 years, Margie of Oran; three sons, Delbert "Dean" (Patti) Bishop Jr. of Dexter, Missouri, Jeffrey Bishop of St. Louis, Tim (Deborah) Bishop of Malvern, Iowa; four grandchildren, Beau (Crystal) Bishop and Megan Bishop of Dexter, Jessica and Nicholas Bishop of Malvern; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Shelby Bishop; two sisters, Sharon McCullough and LaDora (Richard) Sides of Jackson; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Bishop of Chaffee, Missouri, and Shirley Bishop of Jackson; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Bishop in 1978, two brothers, Lyle and Jasper "Jack" Bishop.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, and Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time at New Bethel Church.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Interment will be in New Bethel Church Cemetery, with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to New Bethel Cemetery, the Missouri Veterans Home or Oran Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.