In loving memory of

Edward "Grandpa" Lewis Tharp
September 19, 1941 - December 15, 2012

Edward Lewis "Grandpa" Tharp, 71, of Burlington, died 1:28 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2012, at Great River Medical Center.
Born September 19, 1941 in Lamar, Colorado, he was the son of William and Helen Tharp. He married Millie Miller in 1965; she preceded him in death May 12, 2004.
Mr. Tharp was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was an inspector for the National Immigration Service for 25 years and then worked for the Department of Justice as a police officer.
He is survived by one son, Tom (Kathy) Watts of Burlington; three daughters; very special friend Dee McCabe of Burlington; twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Millie, one son, one great-great granddaughter and two brothers.
The memorial funeral service for Mr. Tharp will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 19th in Lunning Chapel. Mr. Bill Gilpin will officiate. The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will conduct full military honors.
According to his wishes, cremation has been accorded.

Tributes

Deb Gibbs wrote on Dec 19, 2012:

"Grandpa the girls and I at Gasoline Allie's will miss your visit to the store. You were a wonderful man that made us smile with your visits."

Erin Seibert wrote on Dec 17, 2012:

"I came to meet Ed with him being my grandfathers fishing buddy and also his bowling buddy. Recently we celebrated my grandfathers birthday and shared a cupcake with Ed, my grandpa and his great grand babies. He was always so nice and talked to anyone that was around him. I even ran into him a few times at "church" as he would call the casino. He will be missed by many i will always think of him fishing near the river. Rest in Peace Ed and go catch a big one for me! "

Pat Saldeen wrote on Dec 17, 2012:

"Tom and Kathy we are so saddened by the death of our dear friend. So sorry we can not be there but our thoughts and prayers are with you today and Wed. Love Pat and Jerry Saldeen"

Linda. Conover wrote on Dec 16, 2012:

"Grandpa was a good friend.I enjoyed talking to him about fishing.He was a wonderful person that always was friendly and well liked.His fishing stories will always remembered. He will sure be missed at the ole fishing hole.He was a good grandpa to many people. My prayers are with you Tom and. Kathy."

Pat Saldeen wrote on Dec 16, 2012:

"Grandpa was a very special friend of ours. He was very giving ,loving and caring. Loved our dining out together and his many stories about his life and his 5 pounders he caught while fishing at the river. We thougth him as part of our family and loved him. We will always remember him and thankful for having him a part of our lives.We are blessed for that and God Bless you. JERRY AND PAT SALDEEN"

Jonie Stewart wrote on Dec 16, 2012:

"I'm so glad you came in to see me Friday so we could have one last talk. I'll miss our visits, but I know you are truly happy now to be with your angel Millie. Say Hi to my dad. Thanks for being a part of my life. I'm blessed to have known you. "