Glen E. Sharp

MSgt (Retired), USAF, Glen E. Sharp, passed away into the Wild Blue Yonder on July 9, 2004. A fourth generation Kansan, he was born July 21, 1926, on the Sharp family homestead at 168th and Switzer Road, formerly known as Terry Road. He rode a horse to a one room schoolhouse until high school. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1943 at the age of 17, and served as a crew chief/flight engineer on A-26 light bombers with the 10th Reconnaissance Group of the 9th Air Force. He was a veteran of the European Theatre of Operations and the Occupation of Germany. He married Erma Mae Crooks of Stanley in 1949, after his return from overseas. Sergeant Sharp was recalled to active duty for the Korean War with the US Air Force where he flew strategic reconnaissance missions. During the Cold War, he stood alert with the Strategic Air Command as combat aircrew member. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired from active duty in 1973 to take up farming in Johnson County, KS. MSgt Sharp logged over 10,000 flying hours in aircraft ranging from the B-29 heavy bomber to the C-5 heavy airlift transport. He was rated as a Master Aviator Crewmember. He was the recipient of 33 decorations for merit, service, and multiple campaigns. He was cited twice for heroism while in the conduct of flight operations. After retirement from the Air Force, he worked for Kansas Job Service as an advocate for veterans besides farming. Father of one daughter, Sherry L. Waters of Overland Park, and five sons, MAJ (Retired) Glen E. Sharp, II, Baldwin City, Joseph H. Sharp, Olathe, Douglas L. Sharp, Stilwell, James A. Sharp and Chad R. Sharp, Belton, MO. He married Janet L. Burke McKee of Belton in March 1989. Survived by sister Judy J. Colliver, Anaheim Hills, CA, and brother Jack Sharp, Stilwell. Glen was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who called him Pappy. He was an enthusiastic supporter of all his children and grandchildren in athletics, academics, music, and Scouting. Glen never missed an event if he could help it, whether it was athletics, music concerts, school plays, academic recognition, homecoming, Scouting, or T-ball for a five year old, he was always there, yelling his support or quietly listening with approval. He coached championship Little League teams, and actively participated as a Committeeman in Boy Scout Troops. Glen was an avid outdoorsman. Opening day of the pheasant season was a family tradition where he led the way as long as he was physically able. He also was a keen fisherman, whose catches ranged from bluefish on the ocean to bullheads in his creek. Glen was preceded in death by an infant daughter in 1950, and wife Erma in 1987. His last 15 years were blessed by his beloved Janet, who he was devoted to. Glen was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Air Force Sergeants Association. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations to the Air Force Aide Society, the Air Force Sergeants Association Scholarship Fund, the American Heart Association, or Children's Mercy Hospital, KCMO, c/o Bruce Funeral Home, PO Box 192, Gardner, KS, 66030. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at 3:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Stilwell, Stilwell, KS, 19950 Broadmoor Lane. Visitation will be Monday, July 12, 2004, from 7-9 p.m. at Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, KS. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Stanley, KS. (Arr. Bruce Funeral Home, 913-856-7111)