John Henderson Tharp

John Henderson Tharp
John Henderson Tharp, age 89, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on September 27, 2019, at St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri.
John was born at home in Chula, Missouri, on September 8, 1930, son of Harvey Preston and Clara Grace (Cloud) Tharp. He attended school in Chula through 10th grade, and graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1948. He served in the United States Air Force from 1948 until 1951. On May 28, 1952, John married the mother of his children, Merlene Dains. They were married for 34 years, and were parents of William Merle Tharp and Wilma Grace Tharp Graham. Merlene passed away in 1997. John was blessed with another companion of 12 years, Joyce McKay from California, who preceded him in death in 2002.
John was an over-the-road, independent truck driver most of his life, making it to all 48 contiguous states, Canada and Mexico. He enjoyed dancing, classic country music, playing cards, phone calls with his sisters, having a drink with friends and pulling pranks. During his later years, he was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan. He was a charter member of Chillicothe Elks Lodge and a member of the American Legion for 58 years.
He is survived by daughter, Wilma Graham (Dan); daughter-in-law, Tena Tharp of Chillicothe; grandchildren, Stephanie Daugherty (Aaron), Johna Carr (Marc), Sarah Burton (Matt), Jacob Bowyer (Rhianna) and Kelly Palmer (Zach); Step-granddaughters, Katie Hammons (Jared) and Kelsie Wisner; great-grandchildren, Garrette Daugherty (Katherine), Elye Daugherty, Peyton and Gabriel Carr, Sylvia and Joslyn Burton and Avi Palmer; step-great grandchildren; Cash and Cruz Hammons, Graham and Leo Wisner; great-great-grandson Ezekiel Daugherty - John was especially proud to live long enough to have a living 5 generations! John is also survived by sisters, Margaret Horton and Franki Jensen of Blue Springs Missouri; and sister-in-law, Betty Tharp of Meadville. He also leaves many nephews and nieces that were close to him, especially Harvey Donoho and Donn Tharp; as well as many dear friends, too numerous to mention by name. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bill Tharp; companion, Joyce McKay; brothers, Claude & Richard Tharp; sisters, Betty Jo Perry, Mary Donoho and Beverly Tharp; and nephews, John Perry and Bob Tharp.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at Meadville Cemetery, Meadville, Missouri, on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Chillicothe Elks Lodge Banquet Hall immediately following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Elks Scholarship Fund and/or Meadville Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.