Gene Sharp

Gene Sharp Harry "Gene" Sharp of Maricopa, Arizona and formerly of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away at home on April 3, 2014 after a brief illness. He was 81. Gene was born on May 5, 1932 in Twin Falls, Idaho to J. Harry and Faye Sharp. One of six children, Gene was raised on a farm and attended schools in Twin Falls. After graduation, Gene joined the Air Force and was initially stationed in Sacramento, California. He later served our country in the Korean War and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan. In July 1951, Gene married Betty Scott (Kleinkopf). They later moved to Pocatello where Gene attended Idaho State University and also served on the police force. In 1959, they moved back to Twin Falls where they farmed and raised their 3 daughters. Gene was active and held leadership roles in many organizations including Eastern Star, Masons, Shriners and the Elks. In December 1976, Gene married Ellie Knoedler and gained 2 more daughters. Gene and Ellie were active real estate agents in Twin Falls for many years. After retiring, they bought a fifth wheel and traveled for several years, spending their time with family, friends and visiting parks throughout the west. In 2011, they chose to make their new home in Maricopa, Arizona. Gene didn't know the meaning of the word "stranger", making friends everywhere he travelled. Since moving to Maricopa, he joined Volunteers in Police Service, patrolling the local streets and parks, handing out sticker "badges" to kids and greeting everyone he met. He was well-known for his willingness to pitch in wherever needed to "get er done". Gene accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1979. He was most recently a member of the First Baptist Church of Maricopa. Gene is survived by his wife Ellie, his daughters Sandie Rainone of LaQuinta, California, Debby Ball (David) of Meridian, Idaho, Launa Barrett (Steve) of Conroe, Texas, Vickie Zlatnik (Clint) of Philomath, Oregon and Anne Wrobel of Twin Falls, Idaho, 17 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, brother Cliff Sharp, sister Thelma Tucker, both of Twin Falls, and sister Leanna Johnson of Salem, Oregon. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Francis and Jack. The family would like to thank Arizona's Hospice of the Valley for their loving care and compassion during the final days of his illness. We would also like to thank Sgt. Hal Koozer and all of the Volunteers in Police Service for their amazing support and prayers. Services will be held at Parke's Funeral Home on Thursday, April 10th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Arizona Hospice of the Valley at www.hov.org or the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so on Gene's memorial web page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.