Gary Sharp

GARY ALBERT SHARP

Cedar Rapids

Gary Albert Sharp, 77, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Dec. 11, 2015. A Celebration of Life service is Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Burial is at Union Cemetery in Humboldt, Iowa. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia, of 54 years; two daughters, Susan (Steven) Beck of Cedar Rapids and Debra (Curtis) Hicks of Mount Vernon; and four grandchildren, Jonathan Beck, Joshua Beck, Sarah Yeoman and Catherine Yeoman. Also surviving are a brother, Rodger (Hilda) Sharp of Lake, Mich.; and nephews, nieces and cousins.

Gary was preceded in death by his firstborn child, Scott Alan; parents, Galen and Roberta Sharp; and grandparents. Gary's brother, Dale (Margaret) Sharp, Iowa City, passed away a few hours after Gary.

Gary was born May 20, 1938, in Humboldt, Iowa. A 1956 graduate of Humboldt High School, Gary received his mechanical engineering degree from South Dakota State University in 1964. Gary married Patricia Bybee on Aug. 27, 1961.

Gary was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army National Guard. He spent his career in electrical power generation, retiring from CIPCO after 27 years.

Gary lived every day with a passion for life. In college, he lettered in golf and track (pole vault), and played on the semi-professional Iowa Comets hockey team. Golf was a favorite pastime, with multi-state tournament wins (some records remain unbroken). Gary, an aviation enthusiast, obtained his general aviation private, instrument, commercial and multi-engine pilot licenses. He built and flew three experimental airplanes. In retirement, he enjoyed winters in Florida, and times with family and friends at their Northwoods cabin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the family for a memorial to be determined.

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