- Date Of Birth: March 4, 1929
- Date Of Death: April 17, 2011
- State: Indiana
Dale John Tharp, 82, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2011, at his home in Bristol, with his wife and daughter by his side.
Dale was born March 4, 1929, in Elkhart to the late Oliver Jay and Gladys (Paulus) Tharp. On May 1, 1953, in Elkhart he married the love of his life, Phyllis C. Rowe.
In 1965, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but he continued to walk for another 50 years. Then in 2009, he acquired mesinteric angiosarcoma and became the longest living survivor by 12 months.
Dale leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Phyllis C. Tharp of Bristol; daughter Deborah (Jeff) Moore of Union, Mich.; stepdaughter Cheryl (Gary) Neterer of Union; and stepson Ron (Virginia) Ravenscroft of Bristol. One grandson, Adam (Sheri) Davidhizar of Union; one great-granddaughter, Anna; six stepgrandchildren; 15 stepgreat-grandchildren; and four stepgreat-great-grandchildren survive as well.
Dale was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Tharp.
Dale formerly worked at Industrial Towel and Drake’s Department Store in Elkhart. He was a graduate of Elkhart High School and a member of Bethel Assembly of God Church. Dale was a 16-year volunteer at LoveWay and a five-year volunteer at the Elkhart Chapter of the American Red Cross. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. Dale was a member of the Bristol American Legion Post 143 and Elkhart DAV Chapter 19.
