He grew up and attended school there through high school.
In August 1964, Don entered the United States Marine Corps where he completed Basic
Training and School of Infantry in the United States Marine Corps, where he became an
O331; Machine Gunner, before being shipped to Vietnam as a member of H-MS-20,
MCCRTG-20, 2DMAW, MCAS, CPNC. Don served as a Machine Gunner while in
Vietnam reaching the rank of Corporal. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/#1, Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal and the Navy Unit Citation before his honorable discharge in August
1968.
On February 17, 1971 Don married the love of his life, Gayle Harris. Their union lasted
41 years until her death on April 20, 2013.
As a Life Member of VFW Post 9271 Tonganoxie Kansas, Don continued to pursue a
life of dedicated service. Providing final military honors at Veterans funerals,
volunteering countless hours mowing local parks and never passing up the opportunity
to help his fellow veterans are just a few ways Don always tried to pay it forward.
Having a passion for fast cars, Don's smiling face was a familiar sight at annual VFW
car show fundraisers.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Sharp; a son, Craig Matthew Sharp in
1988; an infant grandson, Matthew Bradshaw, a Sister, Inez Slaven; and a brother, Jim
Sharp.
He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Gossett and husband John of Tonganoxie, KS;
daughter, Natalie Bradshaw and husband Jim of Winchester, Kansas; son, Donald
Sharp and wife Brenda of Oskaloosa, Kansas; son, Shane Sharp and wife Leslie of
Lawrence, KS; thirteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-greatgrandchild,
and many other family members and friends.
Visitation and Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill-Butler
Funeral home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112.
Visitation will be held Thursday evening, November 11th, 5 PM -7 PM.
Funeral service and burial will be held on Friday morning, November 12, at 9 AM.
A reception will follow at VFW Post 9271 in Tonganoxie.
On the afternoon of November 12, Don will be recognized for his military service by the
Tonganoxie School District, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Kansas Commission
of Veterans Affairs. His family will proudly accept the honors and awards, including the
State of Kansas Vietnam War Medallion, on his behalf. The ceremony will take place at
1:30 PM at Tonganoxie High School.
