John Robert Tharp

John R. Tharp, 91, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, formerly of La Grange, WY and Albia, Iowa, passed away on Monday January 28, 2019 at the Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Cremation has taken place and the family will be holding a private celebration of life service.

John was born on August 4, 1927 at the family farm in Albia, IA to Benjamin H. and Bonnie J. (Barnett) Tharp. He spent his most of his life in Albia, but for a short period of time in his younger years he hitchhiked around the country. Through his travels he worked many different jobs and learned many skills. He was a man of many trades; he worked as a logger, in construction, as a television repairman, and owned and operated several gas stations in Albia.

In 1951, he married Mimi L. Thomas and together they made their life in Albia. To this union, three children were born: Bonnie, Pam, and John. After many years in Albia, John and Mimi moved to New Mexico. They volunteered at the United Presbyterian Conference Center, called ‘Ghost Ranch’, and at an automotive shop in New Mexico for 15 years before moving to Wyoming, and eventually Scottsbluff, NE to be closer to their family.

John is survived by his wife Mimi; children, Bonnie (Stephen) Johnson, Pam (Marcos) Gutierrez, and John Tharp; 6 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and many other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Smith, Frank, Gary, and Richard; and sister Audran Tharp.