Robert Ray Tharp

Robert R. Tharp, 90, of Granger, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on Monday afternoon, September 11, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.  Robert was born in Crooksville, Ohio on August 19, 1927.  He was preceded in death by his father, Walter (Lee) Tharp; his mother, Hattie M. Tharp; and his siblings, twin sister, Roberta Thomas and sister, Mary Jean Neff.

Robert is survived by his loving and adorable wife of 68 years, Hilda (Spring) Tharp; his children, Bruce (Barb) Tharp of Punta Gorda, FL; Beth (James) Goodman of Mishawaka, IN; Barbara (Anthony) Zappia of Granger, IN; and Barton (Sara) Tharp of Noblesville, IN.  Robert was the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Upon graduating high school, Robert proudly served in the U.S. Army from October 1945 through April 1947.  Having moved to South Bend in 1956, Robert took employment at the South Bend Tribune as a typesetter.  He retired from the Tribune in 1992 after more than 35 years of service.

Robert was a member of the Emmaus Lutheran Church for many years, having served as a trustee there.  He was an avid gardener and accomplished woodworker.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Monday, September 18, 2017 at Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. Rev. Dr. Richard Stuckwisch will officiate.  Graveside services and burial with military honors will follow at Highland Cemetery in South Bend.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2:00-4:00pm on Sunday, September 17th as well as 9:00-10:00am on Monday, September 18th.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Robert may be donated to Emmaus Lutheran Church, 929 East Milton Street, South Bend, Indiana 46613.  Online condolences may be left for the Tharp family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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