November 4, 1934 – February 15, 2017
Daniel Ray Sharpless, 82, formerly of Bloomington, died on February 15, 2017 at Harbour Manor Nursing Home in Noblesville.
Daniel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Yvonne Miyagi Sharpless and their sons Keith (Leslie) of Noblesville, Indiana and Mark (Shannon) of Mankato, Minnesota. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Elliot, Margaret, Susanna, Isabella, and Andrew.
Dan was born in Kitzmiller, Maryland on November 4, 1934. He was the son of David Woodrow Sharpless and Mary Kathryn (Sheetz) Sharpless. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, David S. Sharpless.
Dan received degrees from Potomac State College, West Virginia University and Indiana University.
During his life Dan was able to have two successful and fulfilling careers; the first serving in the US military for over 22 years, followed by a 33 year career with Indiana University in Bloomington.
Dan retired from the US Army in 1977 and achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel in the US Army. Dan’s military awards included the Legion of Merit and five Bronze Star awards. He was also one of only thirty US service men to receive the South Vietnamese Tri-Color Fourragère.
Dan taught for over 20 years at Indiana University, Bloomington in the School of Business and the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies. Subsequently, he served as Coordinator of Academic Advising for the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies.
A hallmark of his life was teaching and counseling others. This was evidenced from his early days teaching high school, then teaching Army Administration and Military Science classes while in the US Army, and finally to his time at Indiana University. While at IU, Dan helped develop and supervise field work for overseas study in Alaska, Germany, Hawaii, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Panama, Russia, Spain, and Australia.
Dan was very passionate and supportive of America’s Parks and Park Recreation. He served on the Board of Trustees for the National Recreation and Park Association and was one of the founders and a managing editor of the Journal of Park and Recreation Administration.
At Dan’s request, there will not be a funeral, visitation or services.
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com