Floyd E. Tharp

December 20, 1925-December 27, 2018

Floyd E. Tharp left his earthly home on December 27, 2018 to join his heavenly family and friends. Floyd passed away at the Morrow Manor Nursing Center in Chesterville, Ohio. Floyd was born December 20, 1925 to Howard and Hanna (Elkins) Tharp in Croton, Ohio. Floyd was 93 years old.

Floyd graduated from Utica High School in 1943. He played football, basketball and baseball, although he excelled in basketball getting state honors his senior year. He was a member of the 1943 team who had 26 straight wins. Utica had 4 wins in the County Tournament and 4 more in the Central District. They met Yorkville in the Regional finals and lost by 4 points. Yorkville went on to win the State Division A title. Floyd is one of the original members of the Utica Athletic Hall of Fame. Floyd's record for shooting free throws was 63 in a row, he was in his 50s when he did that feat.

After graduating he enlisted in the Navy in WWII and saw action in the Pacific campaign and returned home to Utica in 1946. Floyd was a founding member of the Newton Township Volunteer Fire Department in 1955. Floyd worked for and retired from Cooper Bessemer in Mt. Vernon. After moving to Florida in the early 80's he drove a school bus and did maintenance for the Lakeland School System, and retired again.

While living in Florida, Floyd played in several Senior Olympic events, yearly. Mainly basketball, but also golf and cribbage. He won many metals, but nothing compared to the year all 3 of his sons played and metaled right along side of him. He was very proud that day and Florida gave him a special award at the event.

Floyd loved to golf, fish and play cards. He was a member of the UTK Club and will be missed at the poker table. He also could not resist playing bingo.

Floyd was blessed with not one but two wonderful wives. Eloise (Smith) the mother of his children who passed in 1979, and Naomi (Mortimer) who he was currently married.

Floyd is survived by his sons Terry (Jacqueline) Tharp of Newark, Ted (Cheryl) Tharp of Nashport, and Timothy (Vickie) Tharp of Newark. Grandchildren Travis Tharp, Tatum (Kevin Annette), Tara (John Koski), Michael Tharp (Tiffany Reeder), Danette (Mitch Conway), Thea (Jonah White), Robert Rauch, Rosalyn (John Stanley) and Richmond Rauch (Anna). He has 11 Great Grand Children.

Floyd is also survived by four step-children. Becky and Dennis Creamer of Mansfield, Stan (deceased) and Maggie Mortimer of South Carolina, Connie Lee of Florida, and Suzie and Jim Braddock of Fredericktown. Step grand children are Shad Creamer (Jenna), Ryan Creamer (Kari), Becca Mortimer, Corey Mortimer (Kim), Summer (Mike Chalfan), Casey (Scott Boyce) and Christopher Braddock. He has 10 step great grand children. Floyd also has many nieces and nephews.

Floyd is proceeded in death by his father and mother Howard and Hanna Tharp, his loving wife Eloise, daughter Teena (Steve Rauch). Brother Harold, sisters Mildred McLaughlin and Laura Mathias.

Calling hours are Wednesday January 2, 2019 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Law-Baker Funeral Home, 34 N. Main St. Utica, Ohio. Military Honors service will be conducted by the Licking Co. Veteran's Alliance prior to calling hours. Private grave side services will be at Newark Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Hospice of Morrow County, 228 South St., Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338 in Floyd's name.