In loving memory of

Rev. Douglas Tharpe
September 7, 1935 - March 30, 2019

Rev. R. Douglas Tharpe, 83, of Dumont, Iowa, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison. He was born in Hubbard, Iowa, on September 7, 1935, the son of Elmer James Tharpe and Florence (Hill) Tharpe. Doug graduated from Cherokee High School, then attended the University of North Dakota at Vermillion, majoring in Radio Communication and Technology.

After college graduation, he served in the U.S. Army, primarily in Alaska. On December 23, 1958, Doug married the love of his life, Joy Lavonne (Stanford) Tharpe, who preceded him in death on December 10, 2008. They raised four daughters.

He had a colorful career in radio, mainly as an on-air personality. Doug worked for numerous radio stations in Iowa. He received God's call to serve as a minister of the United Methodist Church and attended seminary at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary from 1976 to 1979, achieving a Masters of Divinity.

Doug began his ministry in the United Methodist Church in 1979 and served many charges across Iowa. From the airwaves to the pulpit, he touched many people and will be remembered as a great communicator. Doug took pride in his many years of service to numerous ambulance services and the communities they served.

Doug was preceded in death by this wife Joy, his parents, and his, brother Donald Tharpe. He is survived by his siblings Denny Tharpe, Patti (Lyle) Hinspeter, Linda (Grant) Geister; his children, Karil (Randy) Carr of Bryant, Iowa; Kelly (Tom) Oppelt of Arizona; Karla (Terry) Shea of Waverly, Iowa; and Krista Wilson of Dumont, Iowa; ten grandchildren - Tiffany (Shea) Ahrens, Jennifer Oppelt, Jason Carr, Jamie Carr, Stephanie (Johnny) Wright, John Shea, Carrie Shea, Samantha Wilson, Alexander Wilson and Noelle Wilson; and one great-grandson Avery Harris-Carr, along with many nieces and nephews.

Tributes

Anne Lippincott wrote on Apr 2, 2019:

"Doug was a dedicated and faithful pastor. I loved to visit Plainfield where Doug and Joy served as a ministry team. Doug was always so willing to serve where needed even when it meant a long drive to Evansdale. I remember our theological conversations with fondness. A couple of weeks ago, I came across the autobiography that Doug signed and gave to me. I treasure it even more now. My love and prayers are with you in your time of loss."

Sandy Stout wrote on Apr 1, 2019:

"Oh, Krista. My heart goes out to you As I know you have spent some quaslity time with Dad in his last few months. Prayers for you, your sisters and extended family. Good memories will always be there. "

Penny and Jim McCreedy wrote on Apr 1, 2019:

"We send you our love, sympathy and prayers at the loss of Doug. He was a good pastor and a good friend. We have lots of good memories as friends and I as his secretary for many years. We always had a good time together. Kelly, Karil, Karla, and Krista please know we are thinking of you at this time. May you feel God's loving presence with you and may the love of family and friends bring you peace within your hearts. Love, Jim and Penny"

Rev. Jackie Bradford wrote on Mar 30, 2019:

"Doug was God's servant. He loved the Church and his parishioners. He treasured his family. He missed Joy everyday of his life since her passing. Doug, received God's blessing, "Well done good and faithful servant" today. Prayers for his family in this time of loss. Rev. Jackie Bradford "