Gordon Craig Sharp

Dr. Gordon Craig Sharp, at the age of 92, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, in Columbia, Missouri. A brilliant physician, pioneering researcher, devoted family man, and gifted musician, Dr. Sharp leaves behind a legacy that spans generations and disciplines.
Born on December 23, 1932, in Iowa City, Iowa, Dr. Sharp was raised in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. From an early age, he demonstrated exceptional talent and drive. He became an Eagle Scout at just 14 years old and was valedictorian of his high school class. A gifted vocalist and performer, he was a soloist in the Episcopal Boys' Choir and active in the men's glee club and school operettas. He also played on his high school tennis team, reflecting a lifelong love for the sport as well.
Dr. Sharp pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, earning an A.B. degree before attending Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he earned his M.D. He completed his medical training at Johns Hopkins, and he went on to complete his residency at Stanford University. In addition to his academic achievements in medicine, Dr. Sharp studied classical music at both the Juilliard School of Music and Interlochen, becoming an accomplished classical pianist.
His passion for medicine was deeply personal-sparked by witnessing a childhood friend suffer from polio-and it fueled a career marked by innovation and compassion. Dr. Sharp began his academic career as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Stanford University before joining the University of Missouri-Columbia. There, he held numerous leadership roles including Professor of Medicine and Pathology; Director of the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology; Director of the Antinuclear Antibody Laboratory; Director of the Multipurpose Arthritis Center; Director of the Central Missouri Regional Arthritis Center; and Director of the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to medicine and public health, Dr. Sharp was named Curators' Professor of Internal Medicine and Pathology and later honored as Curators' Professor Emeritus. He was appointed one of eleven charter members of the National Commission on Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases by Caspar Weinberger, then Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Governor Mel Carnahan issued a proclamation commending Dr. Sharp for his service to Missouri's citizens, and he received the Robert R. Northcutt Award from the Missouri Public Health Association for his contributions to public health legislation.
Dr. Sharp was widely published with over 200 journal articles and book chapters to his name. He and his colleagues' groundbreaking work led to the first description of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease in 1973-a discovery that shaped decades of research in rheumatology. Over the course of his career, he and his co-investigators helped secure more than $14 million in research grants for the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Despite his professional accomplishments, Dr. Sharp remained deeply committed to his family and his personal passions. He found joy in classical music-both listening and performing-as well as tennis, fishing, reading, traveling to the green mountains of Vermont, the blue waters of Lake Michigan, and spending time with those he loved most. He was an avid University of Michigan football fan, and cheered for Missouri Tigers basketball and football teams. His very favorite pastime was watching Michigan beat Ohio State in the Big 10 Championship! GO BLUE!
He is survived by his beloved wife Sally Sharp; and his children: Heidi Barnhouse (Bill Barnhouse), Susan Sharp-Malin (Michael Malin), David Sharp (Sheena Sharp), Kathy Sharp, Karen McCafferty (Craig McCafferty) Randy Sharp (Kathleen Sharp); grandchildren: Cole Manley, Drew Sharp (Jessica Sharp), Austin Sharp, Brooke Sharp, Katie McCafferty, Meghan McCafferty, Noah Chilson-Hayes (Victor Chilson-Hayes), Spencer Sharp (McKenzie Sharp), Tyler Sharp, Logan Sharp, Kassidy Sharp, Kendall Sharp, Kate Barnard, Ava Barnard, and Remy Barnard; great-grandchildren: Eloise Sharp, Everleigh Sharp, and Oliver Sharp.
He was preceded in death by Evan Carpenter Sharp, his grandson.
Dr. Gordon Craig Sharp will be remembered not only for his monumental contributions to medicine but also for his warmth, kind and gentle nature, generosity, humility, and unwavering dedication to improving lives through science and compassion. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire future generations in both medicine and music.
Services will be held in the fall of 2025 at Parker-Millard Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Gordon C. Sharp, M.D. Endowed Fellowship in Rheumatology (University of Missouri Advancement, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211). https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1002/20/form.aspx?sid=1002&gid=165&pgid=5006&cid=9137&bledit=1&dids=1204
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory, 12 E. Ash St.; Columbia, Missouri 65203. (573) 449-4153. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.milardfamilychapels.com