George Tharp's Obituary
George Edward Tharp was born on April 19, 1937, in Hutchinson, Kansas to George Howard Tharp and Lorena Babe Lynn. As a youngster, he enjoyed playing and working on the family farm. In school, he loved learning and belonged to several clubs, including drama. When acting on stage at a neighboring school, he met and fell in love with his wife of over 69 years, Marlyn Kay Laudermilk. The couple had four children, Dedra Christine Kuehne, Becky Ann Fancher, Steven Ray Tharp (deceased), and Jana Gae Cappadona (Jerry). They have five grandchildren: Alex Kuehne (Andrea), Sarah Fitch (Matt), Matthew Tharp (Peggy), Jerry Cappadona Jr; and Kenny Cappadona (Ginger). George and Kay also have two great-grandchildren, Makenzie and Jack Kuehne. George is also survived by his sister, Adora Marie Cortner.
George worked for Edison Brothers, which relocated the family several times, providing their family adventures in other parts of the states. Settling in Knoxville, Tennessee, George continued to work, but made time for his many hobbies. He was an avid fisherman, and the family vacations always included lakes, and rivers for family fishing. He enjoyed landscaping and gardening. When the last of the children moved away, George and Kay moved to White House, Tn, and George retired from Edison Brothers to pursue his passion with horticulture and also focus on his hobby of writing. George had his first poem published and later compiled some of his poems and short stories into a book, Memories of Drifting Dreams. He also compiled vignettes of his life on the farm in Partridge, Kansas. He became a Tennessee Certified Nursery Professional and Master Gardener and began a second career at Home Depot. George continued to garden, turning his yard into a year round garden, with koi ponds and meditation spots. Later he added the stations of the cross so he and Kay could continue with their devotion to Christ at home. His garden was featured on PBS in a special entitle, “A Poet’s Garden.” He also worked with wood sculpting and painting. His Lighthouse series was selected for an artist’s feature display at the White House Library. His words, art and love will live in our hearts until we meet him again in His garden.
There will be a visitation at Our Lady of the Lake from 11 o'clock in the morning until the time of service. The funeral service will be at Our Lady of the Lake at 12 o'clock in the afternoon.
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