Thomas Earl Sharp Jr.

Thomas Earl Sharp Jr., 79, of Tamaroa, passed away at 6:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 at the Pinckneyville Community Hospital at Pinckneyville.

Tom had worked as a Machinist and Supervisor for Champion Paper Company in O'Fallon, Mo. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tamaroa. Tom was a member of Knights of Columbus 4th Degree - Du Quoin Assembly, Knight of Columbus 3rd Degree - Du Bois Council #4476, a life member and past Commander of the American Legion - Tamaroa Post #1277 and a member of the Du Quoin V.F.W. Post 513.

He was born July 23, 1934 at St. Louis, Mo., the son of Thomas E. and Madie (Pierson) Sharp Sr.

He married Lorraine Dorothy Dressler, daughter of Roman and Irene (Ratajczyk) Dressler on Feb. 6, 1954 at the Ascension Catholic Church in St. Louis County, Mo. and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Tamaroa, several cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tamaroa with Fr. Bernard C. Goedde Jr. officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa.

Burial will be in the St. Barbara Cemetery at Scheller.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.

Friends may make memorials to the St. Barbara Cemetery, Perry County Humane Society or American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.