With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of David Lee Bishop, a man whose life was lived boldly, fiercely, and often at full throttle. David passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the age of 56. He was born on Tuesday, July 1, 1969 in Denison, Texas to Linda Carol (Snyder) Nobles and Jimmy David Bishop.
David was the kind of man who left an impression everywhere he went, known for his quick wit, his fearless spirit, and the unmistakable laughter that could fill a room.
David lived life fast and unapologetically. He had a deep love for anything with an engine and wheels, motorcycles, dirt bikes, rice burners, go carts, buggies, and high-speed chicken feed. If it could go fast, David loved it. The roar of an engine and the open road were where he felt most alive. Those who knew him best remember his sense of humor above all else; he was often the funniest person in the room, capable of turning even the darkest moments into laughter.
David was a complex and unforgettable man who faced life on his own terms. He experienced both triumphs and hardships, but through it all he remained a man of strong will and deep feeling. To those who loved him, he was more than the sum of his struggles, he was a father, a husband, a son, a brother, and a friend whose presence could never be replaced.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Kevin Phillips, who passed away after a battle with bone cancer, by his grandmothers, Lena Snyder of Calera, Oklahoma, and Edna Laughlin of Yarnaby, Oklahoma whose memory remained an important part of his family’s story.
David is survived by his loving and steadfast wife, Kimberly Bishop of Calera, Oklahoma, whose dedication, and care ultimately allowed the family to have more time with him. He is also lovingly remembered by Kimberly’s children, who looked to David as a father figure: Kendra Bradshaw, Keaton Betzer, and Kaylee Betzer.
He leaves behind his daughters, Tabbatha Leija and husband Ramon Leija of Durant, Oklahoma, and Jacie Bishop of Colbert, Oklahoma, who will forever carry the memories and lessons of their father with them.
David is also survived by his mother, Linda Nobles and husband Mahlon Nobles of Houston, Texas, and his father, Jimmy Bishop and wife Ester Bishop of Colbert, Oklahoma.
He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Holly Clay and husband Darron Clay of Jamaica Beach, Texas, and Dalene Wright of Calera, Oklahoma.
David was a proud grandfather to A’Drian Rico, Angelena Leija, Isaly Leija, JR Leija, Kasson Bradshaw, Avery Bradshaw, and Kaycie Betzer, who will grow up hearing stories of the man who lived life with courage, humor, and a wild spirit.
He is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whom he considered family, too many to name individually, but all deeply loved and cherished.
David’s life was not defined by perfection, but by authenticity. He lived loudly, loved fiercely, and left behind stories that will be told for generations. His absence will be deeply felt, but his spirit will live on in the laughter he inspired, the memories he created, and the family who will continue to carry his name and his fire forward.
Though the road has come to an end for now, those who knew David can imagine him once again where he belonged most, somewhere beyond this world’s horizon, wind in his hair, laughter in the air, and the open road stretching endlessly ahead.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Family visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Gordon Center, located at 305 N. Second Ave. in Durant, Oklahoma.
A funeral service will begin following the visitation at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Gordon Center, located at 305 N. Second Ave. in Durant, Oklahoma with Bro. Brent Sexton officiating. A graveside service will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Calera, Oklahoma. Chance Sinor, Jerry Wolfe, Jensen Phillips, Adrian Bishop, Brad Goza, and Ramon will serve as pallbearers.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant.
Phone: (580) 916-9090