Willard Leo Tharp, 81, passed away Sunday, April 17th, 2022 at his home in Orangeville, Utah following a brief battle with cancer.
Willard was born on February 13, 1941 in Castle Dale, Utah to Leo and Neva (Miller) Tharp. He lived briefly in Kentucky, but grew up with his siblings in Dragerton, Utah. He served in the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge. Willard met his wife Sylvia Jeanette (Smith) in Salt Lake City and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple September 3, 1965. Willard worked for a short time for the railroad and then spent 31 years working in the coal mine.
Willard enjoyed the outdoors. He loved fishing, camping, hunting, and spending time with his family. Willard had a friendly and outgoing personality. He loved to talk and joke with all the people he met. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He especially loved to teach hunter's safety courses.
Willard was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He held numerous callings, and enjoyed the time he was able to serve in the Manti Temple. Willard always looked forward to serving at the Castle Valley Pageant where he made thousands of prairie diamonds over more than 20 seasons. Willard was a friend to all.
Willard is survived by his wife Jeanette, and children Leland, Keith (Celi), Jeff (Shannon), Devin (Jill), 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and siblings Jay, LeRoy, and LuAnn (Miller). He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dick, sister Laverne, and daughter-in-law Kerry (McCourt) Tharp.
Funeral services for Willard Leo Tharp will be Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Orangeville Ward building where the family will receive friends for a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment, Castle Dale Cemetery. After the graveside service, a luncheon will be served at the Orangeville Ward.
Funeral services will be live-streamed on Fausett Mortuary Facebook page.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories of Willard at www.fausettmortuary.com.