Donald Edward Tharp, 91, passed away on May 5, 2024. He was born on January 4, 1933, to Truman Issac Tharp and Lola Leona (Stahl) Tharp in Ringgold County, Iowa. On January 5, 1934, while polishing a heating stove, it ignited, catching her clothing on fire. Lola passed away the following day from the burns. Donald was left in the care of his grandmother’s home. Grandma Hogue was his paternal Grandmother.
Donald’s father, Truman, later married Beulah Hanks on January 4, 1936. Donald lived in their home through third grade. Truman decided to pursue employment in construction. Donald was then taken to his maternal grandparents’ home. They lived on a farm near Diagonal, Iowa. Edmund and Fannie (Monk) Stahl welcomed Donald into their home. Donald enjoyed the farm, being outside with the dog, Rover, and horse, Beauty. Donald attended high school, graduating in 1951. He met his future wife, Bernita (Brand), there and they were married in 1952.
Donald found that he would soon be drafted for the Korean War and enlisted in the US Navy. He served four years aboard the U.S.S. Los Angeles. There were three cruises of seven months each. Donald was discharged January 30, 1957. He worked at Sundstrand Aviation a short time and in 1960, after some schooling, found employment with Dictaphone Corporation in electronics. He spent 30 years with them.
After retirement, Donald and wife, along with Donald’s cousins, enjoyed a trip to Alaska in RV’s. They have spent 26 years in Show Low, Arizona.
He is survived by his loving wife, of 72 years, Bernita; daughter, Joan Evonne (Todd); and several cousins.