Dr. Jack English Bizzel, age 88, of Morehead, retired MSU professor, community leader, and dedicated husband and father, passed away Friday, October 23, 2015, at his home. Born December 19, 1926, in Anna, Illinois, he was the son of Jess Sr. and Kitty English Bizzel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jess Bizzel Jr., and his sister, Violet Miller. Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Peggy Watkins Bizzel, whom he married September 7, 1947, and their son, Jeffrey Bizzel, of Morehead. A 1944 graduate of Anna (IL) Senior High School, Jack served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Following his military service and a brief career as theatre manager, Jack enrolled in college earning three degrees from Southern Illinois University: a bachelor's degree in 1957; master's degree in 1958; and Ph.D. in 1966. While completing his doctorate in government, Jack also taught at SIU. He, Peggy, and Jeff moved to Morehead in 1966 and Jack joined the MSU government faculty. Three years later, he was named chair of the department of political science, a position he held until 1985 when he returned to full-time teaching. He retired as professor emeritus in 1992. Dr. Bizzel was recognized both as an outstanding professor and as an authority on state government. He received the University's 1979 Distinguished Faculty Award, served on the Faculty Senate, and was nominated by the MSU family in 2011 as one of the most influential individuals shaping the University during its 125 years. Active in numerous professional organizations, Dr. Bizzel served as president of the Kentucky Political Science Association in 1971; received the Association's Distinguished Political Science Award in 1993; and participated in the 1991 NATO Discussion Series. He initiated the internship program in the Kentucky legislature and the prelaw and paralegal programs at MSU. Dr. Bizzel was involved in many local activities and was elected twice to serve on Morehead City Council after being appointed to fill an unexpired term in 1989. He was an elder emeritus and member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Morehead. A celebration of life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2015, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Molly Smothers and the Rev. Merry C. Jones officiating. Entombment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to First Christian Church, 227 East Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351 or MSU Foundation, Palmer Development House, Morehead, KY 40351 Visitation: Saturday, October 31, 2015, 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Funeral: Saturday, October 31, 2015, 2 p.m. Northcutt & Son Memorial Chapel Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens