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Willard Sharpof Interior, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, August 20, 2003
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Willard Sharp was born June 10, 1926, on his parents’ homestead near Conata, South Dakota, the son of Clyde and Wilma (Jacobs) Sharp.
As a young boy he moved with his family to a ranch south of Interior where he grew up. He received his education in a rural school near Interior.
As a young man he worked for his parents and various ranchers in the Interior area.
Willard served in the United States Army Cavalry during WW II.
After his discharge on October 31, 1945 he returned to Interior.
Willard was united in marriage to Ruth Whitcher on July 4, 1951. They made their home in Interior.
He worked at various jobs before his employment with the Badlands National Park Service, a position he held until retiring in 1978. In 1966 they moved onto their ranch south of Interior where they presently are residing.
Willard was a member of the Martin American Legion Post.
Willard enjoyed working with the land, especially his vegetable garden and farming.
Grateful for having shared his life are Ruth Sharp of Interior; one son Dennis Sharp of Interior; four daughters, Virginia Sharp of Gillette, Wyoming, Shirley Sharp of Philip, Barbara Bishop and her husband Willy of Buffalo, Wyoming and Cindy Gowdy and her husband Bob of Terre Haute, Indiana; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four brothers Clyde Sharp of Black Hawk, Claude Sharp of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ambrose Sharp of Interior, and Robert Sharp of Rapid City; three sister Celeste Teal, Donna Bounds, and Goldie Fischer, all of Rapid City; two nieces that spent a lot of time on the Sharp ranch, April and Ellen; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Willard was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers William, Wilson, Tom, Calvin, Russell, Ben and Albert Sharp; and three sisters, June Mendenhall, Rose Bonvillian, and a sister in infancy.
Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the gym on Monday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 25, at the Interior School Gym in Interior, with Pastor Jeff Tippner officiating.
Interment was at the Wall Cemetery.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, August 25, 2003 10:00 a.m.
Interior School Gym
Interior, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Jeff Tippner
MUSIC
Val Guptill - Pianist
Donna Pulis - Vocalist
Gene Mendenhall
USHERS
Melvin Teal – Monty Whitcher – LeRoy McIlravy
PALLBEARERS
Kevin Kruse - Ben Sharp
Ronnie Gartner - Tom Geigle
Jerry Lane Johnston - Mike Amiotte
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota
FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, August 25, 2003 10:00 a.m.
Interior School Gym
Interior, South Dakota