John Robert Tharp, of Rockport, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.
John was born on July 6, 1943.
John was a proud veteran, serving our country for eight years in the United States Air Force with tours in Southeast Asia. He received the Accommodation Medal while serving. John was a 1961 graduate of Richland High School, and a 1977 graduate of Owensboro Business College. He retired from ALCOA after 33 years of service.
John loved sports. He enjoyed watching and participating in softball, baseball, basketball, handball, and volleyball. He was a big I.U. fan, but his greatest love was golf, both watching it and playing it.
John was a devoted family man, especially to his wife Betty whom he married July 7, 1964. He loved his children and especially his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren, who brought him so much joy.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Maxine Eble, and sister Joetta Straughan.
John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Tharp; son, Little John Tharp (Donna); daughter, Kristen Dickson; his grandchildren, Curtis Keelor (Sydney), Trevor Tharp (Kayla), Amber Tharp (Justice); and great-grandchildren, Praxton Tharp, Addalynn “Sassy Pants” Tharp, Charlee Stanton; and his beloved brother-in-law, Bill Sherwood, with many other nieces, nephews and extended family.
Services for John will be at Boultinghouse Funeral Home, 527 Main Street, Rockport, on Sunday, April 26, at 2 p.m. with Michael Shelton officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Rockport.
Visitation for John will be at the funeral home on Saturday, April 25, 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Sunday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
