Obituary of Samuel Ivan Tharp

S. Ivan Tharp Newton Funeral services for Ivan, will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Newton. Friends may call after 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16; with the family until 7:00 p.m. at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Samuel Ivan "Ike" Tharp, 85, the son of Barney Jackson and Coral Bess (Decker) Tharp, was born March 31, 1923 in Adel, Iowa. He attended the Adel Senior High School. Ike had served his country during World War II, with the US Army. On September 15, 1941, Ike was united in marriage with Leola "Lee" Kono in St. Louis, Missouri. They lived in Adel, moving to Newton in 1942. Ike was employed by the Maytag Company in Newton, retiring as an inspector in 1978, after 36 years of service. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church; UAW Local #997; DAV; founding member of the Central Iowa Barbeque Club; and a Life Member of the Newton American Legion Post #111. Ike had devoted his life to his family, and enjoyed carpentry, camping, traveling and the out doors. Ike passed away on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009 in the Monarch Wing of Skiff Medical Center in Newton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Sandra Lee Cupples; daughter-in-law Joyce Tharp; six sisters; and two brothers. Those left to honor Ike's memory include his wife Leola "Lee" Tharp of Newton; his son Perry Tharp (Terri) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his daughter Coralann Paulsen (Cliff) of Doniphan, Missouri; son-in-law Buddy Cupples (Sandy) of Newton; his thirteen grandchildren: Brian Tharp (Kris); Michael Tharp (Stacy), Ivan Waybill (Patty), Loyd Waybill (Trudy), Brandon Cupples, Zachary Cupples, Lee Ann Conrad, Ben Avila, Josh Cupples, Danielle Rouw (Todd), Nicole Shanstrom, Alicia Richards, and Aaron Trotter; twenty great-grandchildren: Shelby Waybill, J.D. Waybill, C.J. Waybill, Patrick Waybill, Jamie Conrad, Danny Conrad, Stephanie Tharp, Riley Tharp, Cody Tharp, Casey Tharp, Mackenzie Rouw, Alexa Rouw, Olivia Rouw, Madison Richards, Alissa Shanstrom, Ian Shanstrom, Tyler Cupples, Makaila Audas and Mackenzi Audas; four great-great grandchildren; his sister Hazel Dye of Johnston, Iowa; several nieces and nephews; and many good neighbors and friends. In LIEU of flowers: memorials in Ike's name are being designated: for the First United Methodist Church, Hospice of Jasper County; or to the Charity of your choice.