Maurice Wendell Sharpe

Maurice Wendell Sharpe, age 70 of Albia, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2012, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia, under the care of Hospice of Monroe County. Wendell was born November 25, 1941, in Pawnee City, NE to Sidney and Mary (Gossin) Sharpe. He attended and graduated from Pawnee City High School, Class of 1959. After high school, Wendell served his country in the United States Air Force at Travis Air Force Base in California. After returning home, he owned and operated Humbolt Iron Works for 10 years, and also farmed. He worked as a Millwright for Local Union #2158 most of his life. On March 20, 1966, Wendell married Evelyn Rue in Table Rock, NE. They shared 46 years of marriage, and to this union two children were born, Ron and Tracey. Wendell was a member of the Local Union #2158 for 33 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Harvey Man Post #269 in Humbolt, NE for 45 consecutive years, where he was past Vice-Commander and Commander, and was on the Auxiliary Board for four years. Wendell enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, working on cars, and gardening. Wendell especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Wendell is survived by his wife, Evelyn Sharpe of Albia; his children, Ron (Angie) Sharpe and Tracey (Chris) Matt, both of Albia; three grandchildren, Riley Sharpe, Sarah Matt, and Noah Matt, all of Albia; a step-grandchild, Nicole Davis of Streator, IL; and a step-great grandchild, Max Davis of Streator, IL. He is also survived by two siblings, Johnny Sharpe of Pawnee City, NE and Rosalie Kennec of Yutan, NE; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; several nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Mary Sharpe; two sisters, Dorothy Merchant and Imogene Walters; and two brothers, James and Leonard Sharpe. Graveside services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, July 7, 2012 in Oak View Cemetery in Albia, with Pastor Richard Grimes and Jeff Rue co-officiating, and military rites provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., Friday, July 6, 2012 at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Wendell's family present from 6-8 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 11 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials have been established to Albia Community High School or Hospice of Monroe County.

Maurice Wendell Sharpe

November 25, 1941 - July 5, 2012