Robert “Bob” Tharp Sr., 81, North Manchester, passed away January 21, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. The son of Stanton Miller and Vivian Rose (Shurburn) Tharp, Bob was born on July 14, 1942, in Niles, Michigan.
After graduating from Brandywine High School in Niles, Bob began working as a drywall finisher and continued in that career for forty-eight years before he retired in 2005. He was a member of the Painter’s Local Union and was an incredibly hard worker. When Bob found spare time, he enjoyed tinkering with engines and cars. He enjoyed older cars and trucks and especially liked the 1957 Chevy. During his younger years, Bob played drums in a band called the Good Ole Boys. And, Bob had a sweet tooth his entire life, delighting in Oreo cookies most of all.
On March 20, 1986, Bob married Gee-Gee (Shull) Alexander. Each brought their own children into the marriage, but neither thought of the other’s kids as anything but their own. Bob was a dependable father and the very definition of a good, decent man to those around him. As some of Bob’s children were in the military, he supported not just them but the military as a whole as well. He was a past president of the Sons of the American Legion Post 286 and the Eagles, both in North Manchester. He also belonged to Moose Lodge 1518 in North Manchester. Above all, however, Bob was a proud father, grandfather, and husband.
The loving memory of Robert “Bob” Tharp will be forever cherished by his wife, Gee-Gee Tharp, North Manchester; children, Heide Tharp, Niles, Michigan, Robert (Heather) Tharp, Niles, Michigan, Scott (Ruth) Alexander, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Shilo (Sara) Tharp, Ames, Iowa, Shawn Alexander, Laketon, Chad (Traci) Alexander, Laketon, Shannon (Travis) Deck, Loda, Illinois, Stanlee (Samantha) Tharp, Disko, and Rex Tharp, South Whitley; sisters, Selva (Earl) Garson, Mishawaka and Lois (Richard) Sherman, ; thirty-six grandchildren; and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roger Stanton Tharp.
Family and friends may call Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at McKee Mortuary. Father Dennis Di Benedetto will officiate. Burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Bob Tharp, memorial contributions may be made to No Person Left Behind, P.O. Box 132, Libertytown, Maryland 21762 or the American Legion Post 286, 215 East Main Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Bob Tharp has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com