Michael Tharp

On Dec. 31, 1954, the Lord loaned us Michael Lynn Tharp. He began his earthly journey in Pocahontas, Arkansas, born to Harold and Davine (Lincoln) Tharp. He was blessed to grow up on his family farm in Success, Arkansas, making memories with his brothers (Danny and Terry) and the Jordan and Knowlton families.

On April 14,1979, Mike married the love of his life, Patsy Carter or as he always called her, Momma. They spent their 44 years together doing everything side by side. Whether he was pulling weeds in the garden, growing watermelons, drinking coffee on the front porch, or spending time in prayer, Mike was the happiest with Momma by his side.

The Lord blessed Mike with four wonderful children: Jason, Chasidy, Shane and Travis and Ryan Ainley, a man he loved as a son. He would tell you his children were his greatest accomplishments in life. When it came to his children you could hear him say “Me and Momma did good.”

Mike’s children gave him 12 grandchildren, or as he and Momma called them “The Dirty Dozen.” There was nothing he loved more than being called Pops. You would see his face light up when his grandkids walked in. He loved spending time with them. He was always their biggest fan.

He loved anything farming related, as long as it was being done right with a John Deere Tractor. Mike was a true lover of people. He loved to have people around, telling stories and cracking jokes. If you spent time with him, at some point he probably offered you some roadkill or opossum soup and if you refused he would say “Well dadgum. What’s wrong with you?” He loved to hear laughter.

On Feb. 28, 2023, at the age of 68, Michael was called home to be with Jesus and to reunite with his parents and his brother, Danny. He is survived by many loved ones: his wife, Patsy; his children, Jason (Ada) Tharp, Chasidy (Jeff) Sullivan, Shane (Dacota) Tharp and Travis (Dana) Tharp; his brother, Terry (Diane) Tharp; The Ainley Family: and “The Dirty Dozen:” Shelby, Faith, Haley, Harley, Colby, Rylee, Sophee, Kollin, Khodi, Kaiah, Corbin and Baylor.

Services for Michael will be held at Fowler and Sons Funeral Home in Neelyville, Missouri. Visitation will be Friday, March 3, 2023, beginning at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be Saturday, March 4, 2023, and will begin at 2 p.m. His final resting place will be at Naylor Memorial Cemetery.