In the quiet corners of Chatham, Illinois, a community mourns the loss of a beloved patriarch, Charles H. Sharp, who passed away on March 31, 2024, at the age of 80. His journey, marked by service to his country, dedication to justice, and unwavering love for his family, leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. As friends and family gather to bid farewell, they reflect upon a life well-lived, rich with experiences and cherished memories.
Born on August 10, 1943, in the bustling city of Chicago, Charles was the son of Russell and Ethel Fox Sharp. Raised alongside his siblings, he learned the values of integrity, resilience, and compassion from an early age. Despite the challenges of his upbringing, Charles possessed a spirit of determination and a commitment to making a difference in the world around him.
At the age of 21, Charles embarked on a new chapter of his life by enlisting in the United States Air Force. Serving his country with honor and distinction, he spent four years stationed at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona, where he demonstrated his dedication to duty and his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
Upon completing his military service, Charles pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s of Arts in Administration of Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle in 1970. Armed with knowledge and a passion for justice, he embarked on a career with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) that spanned 26 years. Stationed exclusively at the Springfield, Illinois office, Charles dedicated himself to upholding the law and protecting his community from the scourge of crime.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charles found his greatest joy and fulfillment in his role as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In 1979, he exchanged vows with the love of his life, Jessica Gilreath, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared experiences. Their union was blessed with two children, Stephanie and Jason, who became the center of Charles’s world. As a father, he imparted wisdom, instilled values, and provided unwavering support to his children as they navigated life’s challenges and pursued their dreams.
In his later years, Charles embraced the role of grandfather with boundless enthusiasm and affection. His granddaughters, Olivia and Mallory Bartlett, brought immeasurable joy and happiness into his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them, imparting stories of his own childhood and sharing in their adventures with a twinkle in his eye.
Throughout his life, Charles remained deeply connected to his family roots, maintaining close relationships with his siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was a source of strength and inspiration to those around him, offering guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love whenever it was needed.
As the community gathers to celebrate Charles’s life and honor his memory, they are reminded of the impact he made on the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy of service, integrity, and love will endure for generations to come, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Sugar Creek Methodist Church or a charity of your choice, honoring Charles’s commitment to faith, community, and philanthropy.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 10:00 am until the time of services at 11:00 am at Sugar Creek Methodist Church in Glenarm, with Reverend Paul Dinges officiating. Following the service, Charles will be laid to rest in Cumberland Sugar Creek Cemetery, Glenarm, surrounded by the beauty of nature he so deeply cherished.
As the sun sets on Charles’s earthly journey, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and the human spirit.
