A. Wayne Sharp

ALMON "WAYNE" SHARPMay 26, 1936 ˜ July 26, 2024 Almon "Wayne" Sharp was born May 26, 1936, in Defiance, OH, to Almon and Mildred Sharp. He was the oldest of seven children and graduated from Defiance High School in 1954. Wayne was an Army veteran. He spent the majority of his adult life in Vancouver, WA. He met and married his wife, Barbara "Kate" Gray in 1956, with whom he had four children. He graduated from the United States Army Sergeant Majors Academy in El Paso, TX, in 1975. Wayne was a lifelong learner who later returned to school and received his bachelor's degree from The Evergreen State College. Wayne dedicated much of his life to bettering the lives of veterans and held various offices in the The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations. Wayne was particularly passionate about the American Legion program of Boys' State, which introduces the next generation to the organization and workings of government. He found his volunteer work visiting veterans in the hospital with the VFW Military Order of the Cooties especially meaningful. In addition to his military service, Wayne had a wide-ranging career, briefly working for the Vancouver Police Department; building several houses in Vancouver, WA, as a contractor; and owning a private computer consulting business as an early adopter of technology. Wayne loved country music and worked as a KVAN country music DJ under the pseudonym Wayne Allen. During those years, he built relationships with several country music stars, exchanging letters and collecting guitar picks from some of his favorite artists. Wayne was present when Roger Miller recorded "King of the Road" and had a home cooked dinner courtesy of Loretta Lynn. Wayne loved dogs and always had a canine companion. He loved gardening, sunny days, and yellow tulips. He had a wry sense of humor and a passion for politics. He enjoyed hosting barbecues and cooking holiday meals for his family and was known for his sleight of hand when performing Easter egg magic tricks for his grandchildren. He enjoyed playing poker and participated in a pool league, enjoying games that employed strategy. Wayne was lovingly cared for at The Finest Care Adult Family Home in his final days and was particularly fond of his caregivers, Claudine, Ben, and Jason. He passed away of natural causes July 26, 2024. Wayne is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara "Kate" Sharp; daughter, Kari Sharp Hill; son, Faron Sharp; grandchildren, Megan Hill, Kori Kramer, and Stetzon Sharp; great-grandchildren, Lucy Thompson, Freja Sharp, Theo Thompson, and Avett and Isabel Kramer; sisters, Jane and Carol; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Wayne was preceded in death by his infant sons, Mark and Wayne Sharp; sister, Janet; brothers, Fred, Charles and Marvin; and son-in-law, Jeffery Hill. Wayne will be buried in Park Hill Cemetery in Vancouver. A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Wayne's life and legacy Saturday, Aug. 24, from 2-4 p.m. at the American Legion Smith-Reynolds Post 14, 4607 NE St. James Rd., Vancouver, WA 98663.

A. Wayne Sharp

May 26, 1936 - July 26, 2024