September 21, 1932 – January 4, 2022
Walter Raymond Tharp, 89, Arcadia, passed away on January 4, 2022, at Ascension St. Vincent Carmel Hospital.
He was born September 21, 1932, in Cicero to George and Grace (Breese) Tharp. He grew up in the Cicero community and attended Jackson Township Schools. He graduated in 1951 from Jackson Central High School. After graduation, with several friends he decided to enlist in the Armed Forces as a part of the group. His enlistment was with the U.S. Navy where he proudly served.
On November 25, 1955, he married the love of his life, Norma Jean (Siders) Tharp. She survives him. Also surviving is a daughter, Susan Lynn Garrity of Arcadia; sons, Dennis Ray Tharp of Madison, Ind., and Ryan Wayne Tharp of West Terre Haute, Ind.; and grandchildren, Daniel Garrity, Katie Garrity, Kelsey Nighthawk and Abigail Lowery.
After completing his military service, he became a journeyman millwright first working at Public Service Indiana, then working for Stellite International (now known as Haynes International) in Kokomo. He was known as an excellent welder of exotic metals. He also was the sexton of Cicero Cemetery for several years where he compassionately helped people at a very difficult time in their lives with their cemetery needs.
He called himself a “hobby farmer” and greatly enjoyed working with animals, growing and planting trees for himself and others, and growing feed for the livestock. He also tended a fairly large garden that provided food for his family and friends. He enjoyed woodworking and was known for making elaborate canes that he gave to anyone who needed one.
He was an active member of Cicero Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Cicero American Legion where he was a participant in the Military Funeral Honor Guard.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Vera, Lula, Paul, Clyde, Robert, George, Allen, Gene, Jed, and Keith.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 10, 2022, at Cicero Seventh Day Adventist Church with burial to follow at Cicero Cemetery. A time of visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cicero Seventh Day Adventist Church or the Cicero American Legion Post 341, P.O. Box 256, Cicero, IN 46034. Donation envelopes will be available at the Church.
Hartley Funeral Home Cicero Chapel is entrusted with Mr. Tharp’s arrangements. You may send condolences at hartleyfuneralhomes.com.