Robert Merle Bishop, 79, passed away Monday, February 4, 2013. Born February 17, 1933 in Fort Wayne, he was one of six children and the son of the late Merle and Alma (Meyer) Bishop.

Bob graduated from Central High School in 1951. He then attended Indiana Tech where he was awarded a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1954. Shortly after graduation from college he married Roberta "Bobbie" Ulrey of Fort Wayne. Bobbie had just graduated from Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne.

Bob was hired by Essex Wire in Fort Wayne in 1955. For Essex, Bob managed the Hillsdale, Michigan plant before being selected to be plant manager and build the state-of-the-art Vincennes, Indiana plant. Bob later returned to Fort Wayne where he subsequently was named President of the Magnet Wire Division. Bob retired at age 54 enjoyed spending time with his wife, his children and their families.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta "Bobbie"; his daughter Brenda Bishop; his sons Brad (Nichole) and Rob (Lois); grandchildren, Angela, Jacob, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Madison, Paul and Grace; and one great grandchild, Brody; and his brother, Merle, Jr. (Glova).

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 7, 2013 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, with calling one hour prior. Calling is also 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, at Covington Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road with a vigil service at 3:30 p.m. and an Elks service at 7:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Catholic Cemetery.

Please consider a donation to Heartland Hospice, 1315 Directors Row, Suite 200 Ft. Wayne, IN 46808.