SSgt. Leslie V. Bishop

SSgt. Leslie V. Bishop, known to many as Les, died on November 9, 2026, in St. Peters, Missouri, at the age of 91. He was born on October 4, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, and passed peacefully surrounded by loving thoughts.

Les lived a life marked by service, strength, and unmistakable pride in his country. He began his military career with the United States Army and, after being discharged due to injury, reenlisted with the United States Marines. He went on to retire honorably as a Staff Sergeant. During his years of service, he served in Korea during the Korean War and completed two tours in Vietnam. He earned various medals in recognition of both his service and his good conduct throughout his career. His military service remained his proudest accomplishment, and he was always, at heart, a proud Marine. Semper Fi.

That same military bearing shaped much of who he was. He was very much a Marine in character: confident, fiercely independent, sharp in appearance, and always handsome. He was often described as tough and sometimes misunderstood, yet those who knew him recognized the good heart behind that toughness and his desire to see those around him become better. He was charming, generous with his friends, and always a gentleman with his lady friends. He wore an ever-present grin, “like a fox in a henhouse,” and he had a special sweetness for little children and babies. His example and encouragement inspired countless others to enlist in the military.

Beyond his years in uniform, Les enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought him happiness. He liked country music, loved Christmastime, and especially enjoyed seeing children light up when they opened their presents. He liked playing the lottery, and one familiar memory of him was driving his scooter to McDonald’s to take himself out to lunch. These everyday moments reflected his independent spirit and the personality that made him memorable to family and friends alike.

He is survived by his children, James Scott “Jamie” Bishop and his wife, Lisa Marie Bishop, Tammy Lynn Bishop, and Lori Ann Bishop. His family also includes his grandchildren, Christopher Bishop, Katie Bishop, James Scott Bishop, Jr., Dana Kathleen Bishop, Tori Putnam, and Hunter Putnam. His legacy continues in his first great-grandchild, Oliver Scott. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, along with other family members and friends who will remember his generosity, his strength, and the lasting impression he made on their lives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Ann Blakeney Bishop, who died in 1993, and by his daughter, Bonnie Marie Bishop.

Visitation will be held on November 17, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, St. Peters, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, St. Peters, Missouri 63376. A funeral service will begin there at 11:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service at 1:30 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63125.

Les will be remembered for his honorable service, his enduring pride as a Marine, and the distinctive spirit he brought to those who knew him. His life leaves behind a legacy of courage, generosity, and devotion to family and country.