Charles F. Tharp

Charles F. Tharp, 81, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at MIdland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born on April 13, 1925 in Parsons, the son of Orville J. and Bertha Ballagh Tharp. He graduated from Parsons High School. He was a Navy Veteran of WW II serving from 1942 - 1946. Charles attended the University of Kansas and graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelors of Science Degree. He was a Bacterioligist for the State of Kansas and worked for Midwestern Wholesale Drug. Charles later served as the Director of the Student Union at Washburn University and then retired as Personnel Director at Washburn in 1989. Charles married Jane F. Foltz on June 23, 1945 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Joan Scott and husband, Pat of Lake Wabaunsee, Jean Gray and husband, Paul of Topeka, six grandchildren, Billi Bush, Christi Evans and husband, Bobby, Jeff Tharp and wife, Julie, Brian Tharp, Kelly Gray, Matt Gray and five great-grandchildren. Charles was preceded in death by one son, Stephen J. Tharp in 1981. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at First Congregational Church, 1701 S.W. Collins Ave. Private inurnment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Midland Hospice Care, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle, Topka, Kansas 66606 or the KSU Cancer Center, 1 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 or the Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 N.W. Rochester Road, Topeka, Kansas 66617. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.