Robert Edwin Tharp's Obituary
On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, the world lost a beloved Father, Papa, Uncle, Marine, and friend when Robert Edwin Tharp left this Earth. But most of all, it lost a good man. We’ve no doubt his wife of 57 years, Gala Pearlene Tharp, was waiting with open arms to welcome him home.
Bob was born on April 23, 1937, in Topeka, Kansas to Louise Scott and was her pride and joy, He spent many fond years in Nebraska and was close to his grandpa, Pastor Harry Scott. What amazing boyhood adventures!!
He graduated in the class of 1955 from North High School in Wichita. With the love of the Military, he joined the Marines. He served from 1955-1959, where he ended as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps. During his time in the military, he achieved the status of sharp-shooter. He was based at Camp Pendleton, CA and had 2 tours in Okinawa. After meeting Gala on a blind date, where Bob picked her up in his new turquoise Chevy convertible, they married on September 10, 1961, where they started their life together in Wichita, Kansas, where they had 3 children. In 1972 the family moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, and in the fall of 1978 relocated to Sapulpa, Oklahoma. While raising their family in Oklahoma, Bob and Gala were active at the Evangelistic Temple, where they were members, and later found a home at Carbondale Assembly of God, where they embraced their time there.
From January, 1981 to July 2003, Bob was Chief Accountant for Kenneth Hagin Ministries/Rhema Bible Church where he oversaw the financial workings of the ministry. He was very much loved and appreciated by his employees. In his free time, Bob enjoyed taking road trips and seeing all the beauty nature has to offer. Bob also did archery, coached T-ball, accompanied his kids to many swim meets, and was a Sunday School teacher.
Bob is survived by a family who loves him deeply, including his 3 children Tara Suzanne (daughter) and Matt Gildenhorn of Oak Hill, Virginia. Todd Edwin (son) and Leslie Tharp of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lyle Dean (son) and Tracy Camparone of Santa Monica, California. And his adoring grandchildren who simply knew him as Papa: Grayson Keylee Tharp - 17, Connor Philip Gildenhorn - 16 1/2, and Olivier (Ollie) Rene Camparone Tharp - 10. His extended family in the Wichita, Kansas area will also miss him dearly. And lastly, we know kitty Lulu will miss snuggling behind his head while he sat in his favorite recliner.
As his voicemail greeted callers for decades: “Praise God & Semper Fi!”
The visitation will be 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, February 28, at Floral Haven Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 1st, at Carbondale Assembly of God, Tulsa with a graveside service at 1:30 PM at Ft Gibson National Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's honor to the charity of your choice.
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