J. Richard "Dick" Tharp

J. Richard “Dick” Tharp, 80, of Newton died on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at Park Centre.  A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials to Wesley Life Hospice may be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Dick, the son of Loren and Harriett M. (Doane) Tharp, was born on May 17, 1940 in Newton.  He grew up in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1958. Dick was united in marriage with Claudia Madison on November 17, 1979 in Newton. He was the Quality Control Supervisor for the Maytag Company for 42 years, retiring in 2002. He and his brother, Chuck and brother-in-law, Burt, also operated the Tharp Painting business. Dick was a long-time member of the BPOE Elks Lodge 1280 and the Maytag Management Club.  He enjoyed golfing, Iowa Hawkeye Football games and tailgating, and supporting his children in their activities. Dick and Claudia also enjoyed traveling and island hopped for many years prior to finding Puerto Vallarta which would become their favorite winter destination.

Dick is survived by his wife of 41 years, Claudia Tharp of Newton; children, Kendi (Jeremy) Henley of St. Joseph, Michigan and Brad (Jacki) Tharp of Newton; grandchildren, Kelsey Baldwin of Iowa, Louisiana, Zach Baldwin of Newton, and Lauren Baldwin of Coloma, Michigan; great-grandson, Maxwell Baldwin; and his siblings, Chuck Tharp of Newton and Suzie (Burt) Vander Schel of Newton.  He was preceded in death by his parents. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of J. Richard "Dick" Tharp, please visit our floral store.