Obituary of John Tharp

JOHN THARP JR. John Tharp Jr., 66, beloved husband, father, and brother, died on January 28, 2008, at St. Peters Hospital, after a lengthy illness. John was born in Tacoma, Washington, on April 1, 1941, the first son of John C. and Ann Tharp. He attended Bellarmine High School and went on to study at St. Martin’s College in Lacey. In 1963, he co-founded S and T Trucking, a dump truck and paving company which he ran for over twenty five years. Later he went to work for Top Foods, on Olympia’s west side. He was well known to many of the store’s customers for his easy smile and playful sense of humor. John’s greatest passions in life were family, faith, friends, and fishing. He loved a good joke, the outdoors, and a delicious spaghetti dinner. He was a man who never met a stranger, who made all around him feel welcome and loved. He was also a man of deep faith, having served as a Steven’s Minister for Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, who was his soul mate of 46 years, as well as sons Mark (Susan) of San Antonio, Glen (Elaine) of Phoenix, Christopher of Busan, South Korea; daughter Molly (David) of Lacey; sister Ann Marie (Phillip) of Lakewood; brothers Robert (Charlotte) of Kingston and Daniel (Mary) of Olympia. He also was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren: Erica, Cody, Corey, Mya, Haley, Brandon, Rebecca, and Jennifer. To leave condolences for the family, please click View Guestbook below.