Leslie James “Les” Bishop passed away May 26, 2026. He was born on Aug. 27, 1958, in Harrah, OK. Les's career began humbly, sweeping hair at Ron's Barber Shop as a child before advancing to mowing yards during his high school years to save for his first car-a 1978 Trans Am, reflecting his lifelong passion for automobiles. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1977, laid the foundation for a skill set he expanded at vo-tech, where he learned welding. Early in his career, Les applied his craftsmanship welding water tanks and contributing to the construction of numerous Sonic Drive-Ins. He later worked at Star Building on metal roofing before embarking on a distinguished 36-year tenure in civil service at Tinker Air Force Base beginning in 1986. Les retired as a Sheet Metal Mechanic Work Leader in 2021. Les married Tami Whitefield on July 15, 1990, in Tecumseh.
Les is survived by his loving wife, Tami Bish- op, and their children: sons Clint Bishop and wife Kendra, Elijah Bishop and wife Rachel, and daughter Audra Slawson and husband Adam, all residing in Tecumseh; sister, Theresa Henry of Oklahoma City; and grandchildren: Marcus, Dean, Sam, Heath, Benjamin, Jacob, Evelynn, Michael, Emma, and Jesse.
Les was preceded in death by his parents, James and Eula Mae Bishop.
Friends and loved ones may pay their respects on May 28 and 29, 2026, from 8 am to 7 pm, with the family present to greet friends from 5-7 pm Friday at Walker Funeral & Cremation service. A funeral ceremony to celebrate Les's life will follow on May 30, 2026, at 2 pm at the Church of God Seventh Day in Shawnee with his son- in-law Adam Slawson officiating. Following the ceremony, Les will be laid to rest at the Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral & Cremation Service, www.walkerfuneral.com.
