Kenneth B. Sharp

Kenneth Birt Sharp, known affectionately as Ken by his loved ones, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, in Westland, Michigan, at the venerable age of 87. Born on March 7, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Ralph and Mabel Sharp, Ken grew up to be a pillar of strength and a beacon of love for all who knew him.
Ken's life was marked by his unwavering devotion to his family and his community. On October 9, 1965, he married the love of his life, Carol, after a charming encounter that began with a dropped item and a shared flashlight. Their connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership, filled with joy, laughter, and mutual respect. Carol fondly referred to him as "Sharpy", after their last name.
Together, Ken and Carol welcomed their children Patty Cornwell, Sue (Lance) Lada, Michael (Khang) Sharp, and Eric Sharp into the world. As a father, Ken instilled in his children the values of hard work, independence, and the importance of standing up for oneself. His grandchildren, Christina, Adam, Jennifer, Jessica, Aaron, Nicholas (Kim), Andrew (Jenn), the late Matthew, Michael, Lucas, Connor (Harper), Autumn, and Dillon, and his great-grandchildren, Johnathan, Adrianna, Hayleigh, Zoey, Madasynn, Bailey, Charlotte, Brady, Dylan, Finn, Dana, Sophia, and Michael Jr., all benefited from Ken's wisdom, support, and boundless love.
Ken's professional life was marked by a distinguished career as a firefighter and public servant. For 25 years, he served with the Westland Fire Department, retiring in 1992. His commitment to the community did not end there; he continued to serve on the Westland planning commission for 27 years, retiring in 2024. His work ethic and dedication to service touched many lives and left an indelible mark on the city of Westland.
His brother Edward, who predeceased him, was his best friend, and their bond was a source of great joy and comfort throughout Ken's life. He was also a cherished brother to Caroline (the late Dale) Smith and a beloved uncle to Traci, the late Kenny, and the late Becky.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ken was a man of many interests and talents. Ken's interests were as diverse as they were passionate. A man of many talents, he was an artist who found joy in painting, carving, and wood burning. His creativity was matched by his practical skills; he was incredibly handy and enjoyed teaching his children essential life skills, from fixing cars to roofing. Ken's belief that "everything was an adventure" infused his family with a spirit of resilience and independence. He raised a family of fighters, instilling in them the ability to stand on their own two feet and the courage to stand up for themselves.
Ken's love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for fishing and hunting. He found solace in the quiet of the woods and the thrill of the chase. Camping was more than a pastime for Ken-it was a way to create lasting memories with his family. Many vacations were spent under the stars, where every moment turned into an adventure. He also took great pride in tapping trees and making his own syrup, a testament to his love for nature and self-sufficiency. An avid bowler, Ken also enjoyed the camaraderie of the lanes. His love for card games like Canasta, Euchre, and Cribbage brought laughter and friendly competition to many family gatherings.
Kenneth Birt Sharp lived a life full of adventure, love, and service. His legacy as a family man, a dedicated public servant, and a friend to all will be cherished and remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him. As we say goodbye to Ken, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved.