Larry Ray Bishop

Larry Ray Bishop was born on March 21, 1947 in Lamar, Colorado, to Elba Ray and June Hope Unwin Bishop. Larry grew up on the farm south of Springfield, Colorado.

He attended Crescent school during his elementary years, which was a one-room country schoolhouse for grades first through eighth. He then attended school in Springfield, Colorado from junior high until graduation in 1965.

Larry met Anita Faye Remling at school in Springfield. They were high school sweethearts and the loves of each others’ lives. They married on October 29, 1965. Larry and Anita lived in Pueblo after marrying and attended Southern Colorado State College. Their first child, Staci, was born while living in Pueblo.

They moved back to the farm southeast of Springfield in 1967 to farm with his dad, raising broomcorn and cattle. Two more children, Leah and Troy, completed their family.

As technology improved farming practices, he was always at the forefront of embracing new ideas and methods. The farm expanded not only in acreage but also included a beef feedlot.

Larry loved farming and was recognized over the years for his farming practices. He won several national sorghum yield contests. He was also keen to help young farmers and ranchers succeed by offering advice, teaching and encouragement. Larry and Anita were awarded the Baca County Agriculture Enterprise of the Year by the Baca County Economic Committee in 2017.

Larry helped his community throughout his life. He served on the Springfield School Board for 12 years. He was proud to hand each of his children their high school diploma. He was also named to the Honor Roll of the Colorado Association of School Boards for his service in 1987. Larry served as a Director on the Springfield Cooperative Sales Board, the Neill Foundation Board and the FSA Committee.

Larry and Anita were named as honorary 4-H Members in 1992 for their contributions as 4-H leaders and serving at the Baca County Fair. He volunteered as a 4-H coach for shooting sports and Jaycees peewee basketball. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, Springfield Golf Club, and Springfield Booster Club. Larry enjoyed spending time with friends on the golf course. He loved helping organize the annual Rattlesnake Open Golf Tournament over the years.

Larry helped not only his own children succeed in 4-H, but others as well. Throughout his life he and Anita would donate to causes that supported local children and children in need. He always wanted kids to have a chance at success.

An avid trap shooter, he and Anita forged many friendships traversing the United States trapshooting over the years. They enjoyed traveling and found a love for cruising. In recent years, they were able to travel to Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Alaska and the Mississippi Delta.

Larry was loved by many and he in return loved them back. Larry was proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved Anita and was proud of her accomplishments.

Larry left us on February 11, 2022 while at Southeast Colorado Hospital in Springfield. He is survived by his wife Anita Bishop; his children Staci Bishop (Brad), Leah Bishop (Lida Anne) and Troy Bishop (Charmaine); nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother Richard Bishop, and many nieces and nephews. His grandson, Dillon Jett, preceded him in death.