Charles W. Sharp

Charles W. Sharp (Chuck), of Orion, Illinois, passed away from a heart attack on February 17, in Gold Canyon, AZ, He was 88. Services are scheduled for Monday, March 1 at 1:00 with visitation at noon at Orion Methodist Church in Orion, IL. Graveside services immediately following at Western Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl Funeral Home in Orion. Chuck was born in Coal Valley, IL on April 21, 1921. He graduated from Orion High School in 1938. After attending the University of Illinois, he worked at Emerson Electric Co. in St. Louis from 1942 to 1946 and then at Construction Machinery Company in Waterloo, IA from 1947 until 1954. It was there that he spearheaded the design and development of CMC's Jet-Crete Gun that made air blown concrete machines practical on construction sites. In 1956 he started his own swimming pool construction business, The Pathfinder Co. in Waterloo. It was during this time that Chuck and Elaine had 5 children. In 1962 he moved the business to West Des Moines, where he continued to build pools for private homes and municipalities throughout the state and beyond until the 1980's. His commitment to quality inspired several fine pool building companies over the years, and he continued to be a consultant in the industry until his passing. Chuck married Vicki Dixon in 1997. After moving from West Des Moines, Chuck and Vicki spent their winters in Arizona and their summers on the Sharp Family Farm in Orion, IL. Survivors include his wife, Vicki Dixon Sharp of Orion, IL. Sons, Michael B. Sharp of Des Moines, IA, Jeffrey B. Sharp of Edmond, OK, Charles (Chip) H. Sharp and wife Sandy of Broomfield, CO and daughter Lucy E. Greenfield and husband Kyle of Edmond, OK. Grandchildren, Jeffrey D. Trotter and Nicholas W. Trotter of Edmond, OK and Zachary Sharp and Jacob Sharp of Broomfield, CO. Step children include Bill Dixon and wife Beth, children MaKayla and Brittany of Fairbank, IA and Jayson Dixon and wife Jen, children Caylsta, Jaycie and Alyx of Fairbank, IA. And Haley Greenfield of Edmond, OK. He is preceded in death by his parents Homer and Rosina Sharp of Orion IL, brother Robert H. Sharp, of Chicago and his daughter Lindsey E. Sharp, of Edmond. Chuck loved to study the Word of God and was passionate about his beliefs. He knew this was his temporary home and until the time he passed was still working and enjoying life.