Banks & Beals Funeral Homes, P.C.

Obituaries - 2008

Jack H. Sharpe

Mr. Jack Huston Sharpe, 91, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 1:15 A.M. at his home.

He was born August 21, 1916 in Macomb IL to Skyles MCCulloch (Mac) Sharpe and Idelle Huston Sharpe. His father passed away when he was 4 years of age. Jack married Marybelle Bradshaw on October 28, 1938 in Ft. Madison Iowa by minister Dr. S. P. Telford. Jack grew up in Macomb, graduating from Macomb Western Academy in 1934. He was interested obsessively in agriculture and was promptly launched into his chosen field. He took up residence three years prior to marriage with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. D.K Sharpe, the same house where he and Marybelle have resided since 1962. He established himself in farming just West of La Harpe city limits, where his only son Ted and family now reside. After retiring from farming, Jack worked for Biz Miller at the Stronghurst grocery store, WIU food services, and farming with nephew Randy Sharpe. He was an avid democrat serving as Mayor of La Harpe for two terms. Jack and Marybelle were co-owners and operators of the Kay-Belle Pony Farm during the 50’s and 60’s having registered Shetland ponies and a grand champion they were so proud of. Jack was an animal lover, always having several dogs as house pets, and even bought a squirrel monkey (for the kids). He loved his garden. He and Marybelle canned and preserved food for years, up until a year ago. He also mowed lawns for LaHarper’s including the city park while 70 years of age until he was 85. Jack, along with Marybelle, was a national weather observer for La Harpe for 50 years, finally passing that responsibility on to his son, Ted. He loved his work, gardening, politics, and especially his family!

Jack is survived by his wife and four children; Jodelle Hallowell of rural Dallas City, Jacqueline (Gary) Eddington; Claudia (Charles) Apt; and Ted (Terri) Sharpe all of La Harpe.
Also surviving are eleven grandchildren; Scott Hallowell, Jamie Hallowell, Kelly Eddington, Ryan (Shanna) Eddington, Emily (Tyler) Dihle, Josie (John) Earle, Molly (Todd) Porter, Jason Apt, Melanie Lesson, Jack Sharpe, and Tyler Sharpe, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Jack and Marybelle also raised their nephew Dennis Sharpe for three years following his mother’s death in childbirth and while his father was serving in the army.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, one brother; Bob Sharpe, one sister; Kay Dively, Son-in- Law Don Hallowell, Nephew; Dennis Sharpe, and Niece Carolyn Cobb.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at the LaHarpe Cemetery with John Earle officiating. Friends may call between 2 and 8 P.M. Tuesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the City of La Harpe. Send a condolence here.

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Obituaries - 2008 Jack H. Sharpe Mr. Jack Huston Sharpe, 91, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 1:15 A.M. at his home. He was born August 21, 1916 in Macomb IL to Skyles MCCulloch (Mac) Sharpe and Idelle Huston Sharpe. His father passed away when he was 4 years of age. Jack married Marybelle Bradshaw on October 28, 1938 in Ft. Madison Iowa by minister Dr. S. P. Telford. Jack grew up in Macomb, graduating from Macomb Western Academy in 1934. He was interested obsessively in agriculture and was promptly launched into his chosen field. He took up residence three years prior to marriage with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. D.K Sharpe, the same house where he and Marybelle have resided since 1962. He established himself in farming just West of La Harpe city limits, where his only son Ted and family now reside. After retiring from farming, Jack worked for Biz Miller at the Stronghurst grocery store, WIU food services, and farming with nephew Randy Sharpe. He was an avid democrat serving as Mayor of La Harpe for two terms. Jack and Marybelle were co-owners and operators of the Kay-Belle Pony Farm during the 50’s and 60’s having registered Shetland ponies and a grand champion they were so proud of. Jack was an animal lover, always having several dogs as house pets, and even bought a squirrel monkey (for the kids). He loved his garden. He and Marybelle canned and preserved food for years, up until a year ago. He also mowed lawns for LaHarper’s including the city park while 70 years of age until he was 85. Jack, along with Marybelle, was a national weather observer for La Harpe for 50 years, finally passing that responsibility on to his son, Ted. He loved his work, gardening, politics, and especially his family! Jack is survived by his wife and four children; Jodelle Hallowell of rural Dallas City, Jacqueline (Gary) Eddington; Claudia (Charles) Apt; and Ted (Terri) Sharpe all of La Harpe. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren; Scott Hallowell, Jamie Hallowell, Kelly Eddington, Ryan (Shanna) Eddington, Emily (Tyler) Dihle, Josie (John) Earle, Molly (Todd) Porter, Jason Apt, Melanie Lesson, Jack Sharpe, and Tyler Sharpe, and 10 great-grandchildren. Jack and Marybelle also raised their nephew Dennis Sharpe for three years following his mother’s death in childbirth and while his father was serving in the army. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, one brother; Bob Sharpe, one sister; Kay Dively, Son-in- Law Don Hallowell, Nephew; Dennis Sharpe, and Niece Carolyn Cobb. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at the LaHarpe Cemetery with John Earle officiating. Friends may call between 2 and 8 P.M. Tuesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the City of La Harpe. Send a condolence here.
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