George Thomas Sharp

Thomas was born in Cotton Hill Township on October 28, 1920, the son of George T. and Viola (Howard) Sharp. He married Mildred Elliott on February 21, 1941.

Thomas graduated from Auburn High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a tool and die maker for over 26 years at Allis Chalmers. Thomas and his wife, Mildred, owned and operated mobile home sales and parks for 30 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #0032 and First United Methodist Church in Springfield. Thomas and Mildred enjoyed spending their winters at Padres Island, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Gayle Laymon; grandson, Richard Lee Milburn; brothers, John R. Sharp and Elmer “Gene” Sharp; sisters, Charlotte Eddington, Victoria DeBartolo, and Marie Carus; and son-in-law Lawrence L. Chandler.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 79 years; son, Thomas W. (Deirdre) Sharp of Chicago; daughters, Carolyn “Kaye” Chandler of Mt. Zion, and Melanony Sharp of Lone Tree, CO; grandchildren, Lisa (George) Maris, James (Cathy) Chandler, Thomas Chandler, Ryan (Beth) Chandler, Kris (Jon) Blair, Robert (Ashley) Laymon, Amber (Ed) Hammer, and Hewson (Chandler) Sharp; 18 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marie Sharp; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Chatham, 8855 State Rte. 4, Chatham, IL 62629.

A private graveside ceremony will take place at Auburn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001 or First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, IL 62711.