Don Sharp

Donald R. Sharp of Pauls Valley, OK entered this life born to Clarence C. Sharp and Florence H. (Preston) Sharp in Jackson, California on February 19, 1933 and entered eternal life on May 26, 2011 at the age of 78 years. Don loved model airplanes as a child. He worked alongside his father in the family lumber mill. He was a hard working son and a loving brother to his sisters. He enlisted in the Air Force on July 24, 1950 and was honorably discharged on July 24, 1954. He obtained his private pilot, commercial pilot and instructor rating preparing him for his lifetime career in aviation. Don married the love of his life, Judy Ronda Lents in Chickasha, OK on March 17, 196l. The couple moved to Pauls Valley in 1963. At that time the Pauls Valley Municipal Airport was an auxiliary air base which saw very little general aviation activity. Don and Judy established their crop dusting business there and set to work. The Sharps established a Cessna dealership and each busy day they kept their personal commitment of improving the life of the Pauls Valley community by making every effort to improve its airport. The vision Don Sharp possessed, combined with hard work and determination, as well as Judy’s support, molded the Pauls Valley Airport into what it is today. Don was a member of the Oklahoma Agriculture Aviation Association and served as president in 1989. He was a life member of the Antique Airplane Association, a member of the Chickasha Auto Club and the Auburn, Cord, Dusenberg Association. He was a member of the Pauls Valley United Methodist Chuch. Don enjoyed Fly-Ins and Swap Meets. He had a passion for collecting and restoring old cars and airplanes. The highlights of his life were those moments when he was flying and instructing new pilots. Many of his students went on to pursue careers as airline pilots, crop dusters, and military aviation related fields. They all carried with them his love for aviation. Don loved to work and believed that any goal could be achieved with hard work. He instilled this work ethic in his sons. Don is survived by: Sons – Bo Sharp and Donnie Sharp Daughters-in-Law – Donna Sharp and Shannon Sharp Grandchildren – Coleton Sharp, Kaleb Sharp, Jade Sharp, Derek Chaffin, Logan Sharp, and Landon Sharp Sister – Shirley Sharp Kabler and husband Stan Sister-in-Law – Nancy Witt and husband Bill Nephews – David Brown, Lents Brown, and Chris Witt and his wife Chancey Nieces – Kathy Bader, Tina Brown Preceding Don in death were his parents Clarence and Florence Sharp; wife Judy Ronda Sharp; sister Ella Sharp Brown and nephew John E. Azvedo. Don’s grandchildren will be serving as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Valley Hospice, 100 Valley Drive, Pauls Valley, OK 73075 or National Antique Airplane Association, 22001 Bluegrass Rd., Ottumwa, IA 52501. Funeral services for Don are scheduled for Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the Wooster Funeral Home Chapel in Pauls Valley with Rev. Larry Cornforth officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. You may send a condolence to the family or sign the memorial book and view the video at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday.

Don Sharp

February 19, 1933 - May 26, 2011