Louis "Lou" Dale Sharp

Sharp Louis "Lou" Dale Sharp, 85, was born in Columbus, Ohio on April 4, 1932 and went home to be with the Lord on May 7, 2017. Preceded in death by his father Orlando I. Sharp, mother Alice D. Sharp, brothers Bernard Sharp, Irvin Sharp, Otis Sharp, and sister Lois Rae Sharp. Survived by his brother, Lynne (Donna); sister, Wilma K. Mosley; children, Dale, Darryl, Damien, Deborah, Dawn Heard (Don), Dorcas, Derek (Allyson), Sipho (Jennifer); and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends, including Naomi Williams. A 1950 graduate of Columbus East High School, Lou was awarded a scholarship to Florida A&M University to play football under legendary coach Jake Gaither. After graduating with a B.A. in Physical Education, he returned to Columbus to continue his education at The Ohio State University, where he received his M.S. in Education. Lou became the first African-American to serve as an Ohio State Highway Patrolman. A trailblazer actively involved in the community, he continued to give back as an educator and principal at Pope John XXIII/Holy Rosary and other educational institutions. Lou was also elected the mayor of Urbancrest, OH and was engaged in several charitable boards and civic associations throughout his generous life. He was recently inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame.The family will receive guests at the Chapel of CALIMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, 3700 Refugee Rd., Sunday, May 14, 2017 6-8 p.m. Funeral mass Monday, May 15, 10 a.m., Christ the King Catholic Church, 2777 E. Livingston Ave. Father Denis Kigozi officiating, where the family will receive friends 9 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations payable to the FAMU Foundation, Louis D. Sharp Memorial Scholarship at the Florida A&M University Foundation, 625 E. Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. Online memorial scholarship donations may be made by visiting: https://my.famu.edu/louis-sharp-memorial.