Benjamin M. Bishop

Benjamin Many Bishop lived a long and wonderful life, passing away peacefully at his home in Florida on June 3, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by his loving family and friends. The devoted husband of Elaine Rowland Bishop for 63 years, Benny was the loving father of Benjamin Many Bishop Jr. (Cindy), Christy Bishop DeJohn (David), Michael Robert Bishop (Eileen), Connie Bishop Williams (Ned), and Daniel Joseph Bishop (Sue). He took immense pride in his 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, and to his many nieces and nephews he was simply the beloved "Uncle Benny." He cherished organizing family reunions, parties, and gatherings Born and raised in Clayton, he was the son of George & Helen Bishop, he had siblings Robert Bishop, George N Bishop Jr, and sister Barbara Claiborne Vogt. He is also lovingly remembered alongside his cherished Mother and Father-in-law, Ray & Connie Rowland, Eddie & Pauline Rowland, and Bob & Eleanor Strain (Elaine's twin), all of whom preceded him in death. Benny graduated from John Burroughs School in 1949, where he lettered in tennis, basketball, and football and met the love of his life, Elaine Rowland. He went on to Colgate University, where he won the Eastern Intercollegiate Tennis doubles title in 1952 and served as team captain in 1953. His success at Colgate earned him a spot in the prestigious draw at the National Tennis Championships - the modern-day U.S. Open. A proud American, Ben served as a decorated officer in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to St. Louis and began his career in the family business where he worked for over 50 years. Introduced to the game by his father on the clay courts of the historic Triple A in Forest Park, Benny became the first Armory-trained St. Louisan to rank high nationally after WWII. He was ranked U.S. #9 in boys' 15s singles in 1946, and U.S. Junior #11 in 1949. A finalist in the National Junior Indoor Championships, he played for two years on the Junior Davis Cup team first ever from St.Louis, Back home, he won the 1953 District singles and doubles titles, the Missouri Valley sectional doubles, and numerous club championships throughout his playing career. In 2007, he was inducted into the St. Louis Tennis Hall of Fame, honoring a lifetime of remarkable achievement on the court. Off the court, Ben devoted himself with equal passion to the family business. Western Specialty Contractors was part of his family's heritage-founded more than 110 years ago by his father George Bishop Sr and partner Benjamin Many. Benny rose through the ranks to become President, CEO, and ultimately Chairman Emeritus, transforming the company from a small waterproofing contractor into a nationally recognized restoration firm with more than 30 offices across the country - a legacy built with the same determination he brought to everything in life. Ben was a friend to all and never met a stranger. His booming voice and bright blue eyes put people instantly at ease, and he had a rare gift for making everyone around him feel truly welcomed. He formed lasting friendships in many places, including Palisades Park, Michigan, where he spent a lifetime of summers, and Lost Tree Village in Singer Island, Florida. He was a 70-year member of the Missouri Athletic Club and a lifetime member of Bellerive Country Club, the St. Louis Club, the Silver Duck Club, and Rotary International. He will be remembered for his remarkable leadership, his lifelong competitive fire, and his deep love of family and friends. He loved ski trips to Steamboat Springs, a good cigar in a duck blind, and traveling the world with family and friends. He was never happier than when tending the barbecue with the Cardinals game on, cheering at a Rams game, not to say 100's of hockey games, or gathered together with the people he loved most always with a cold Budweiser or light rum and tonic in hand. He lived every single day on his own terms - he did it his way. A special thanks to all who cared for him in his later years especially Jamie Barrientos, Ellyn Camacho and Juan Correa and my father's personal administration assistant for over 50 years Linda Hudson. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice in Benny's memory. Services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held at Ladue Chapel on Wednesday, July 9, at 1:30 p.m. Arrangements are being conducted by Valhalla Cemetery.

Benjamin M. Bishop

February 12, 1932 - June 3, 2026