Gary A. Sharp
May 20, 1938 — December 11, 2015
Gary Albert Sharp, 77, Cedar Rapids, passed away December 11, 2015. A celebration of life service is Wednesday, December 16, 11:00am with visitation beginning at 9:30am at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Burial is at Union Cemetery in Humboldt, Iowa. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia, of 54 years; two daughters, Susan (Steven) Beck of Cedar Rapids and Debra (Curtis) Hicks of Mt. Vernon; and four grandchildren, Jonathan Beck, Joshua Beck, Sarah Yeoman and Catherine Yeoman. Also surviving, is a brother, Rodger (Hilda) Sharp of Lake, Michigan, nephews, nieces and cousins.
Gary was preceded in death by his first born child, Scott Alan; his parents, Galen and Roberta Sharp; and grandparents; Gary’s brother, Dale (Margaret) Sharp, Iowa City, passed away a few hours after Gary.
Gary was born May 20, 1938 in Humboldt, Iowa. A 1956 graduate of Humboldt High School, Gary received his mechanical engineering degree from South Dakota State University in 1964. Gary married Patricia Bybee on August 27, 1961.
Gary was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army National Guard. He spent his career in electrical power generation retiring from CIPCO after 27 years.
Gary lived every day with a passion for life. In college, he lettered in golf and track (pole vault) and played on the semi-professional Iowa Comets hockey team. Golf was a favorite pastime with multi-state tournament wins (some records remain unbroken). Gary, an aviation enthusiast, obtained his general aviation private, instrument, commercial and multi-engine pilot licenses. He built and flew three experimental airplanes. In retirement, he enjoyed winters in Florida and times with family and friends at their Northwood’s cabin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the family for a memorial to be determined.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia, of 54 years; two daughters, Susan (Steven) Beck of Cedar Rapids and Debra (Curtis) Hicks of Mt. Vernon; and four grandchildren, Jonathan Beck, Joshua Beck, Sarah Yeoman and Catherine Yeoman. Also surviving, is a brother, Rodger (Hilda) Sharp of Lake, Michigan, nephews, nieces and cousins.
Gary was preceded in death by his first born child, Scott Alan; his parents, Galen and Roberta Sharp; and grandparents; Gary’s brother, Dale (Margaret) Sharp, Iowa City, passed away a few hours after Gary.
Gary was born May 20, 1938 in Humboldt, Iowa. A 1956 graduate of Humboldt High School, Gary received his mechanical engineering degree from South Dakota State University in 1964. Gary married Patricia Bybee on August 27, 1961.
Gary was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army National Guard. He spent his career in electrical power generation retiring from CIPCO after 27 years.
Gary lived every day with a passion for life. In college, he lettered in golf and track (pole vault) and played on the semi-professional Iowa Comets hockey team. Golf was a favorite pastime with multi-state tournament wins (some records remain unbroken). Gary, an aviation enthusiast, obtained his general aviation private, instrument, commercial and multi-engine pilot licenses. He built and flew three experimental airplanes. In retirement, he enjoyed winters in Florida and times with family and friends at their Northwood’s cabin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the family for a memorial to be determined.
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