Cecil E. "Bus" Tharp, 90, of Eaton, passed away early Wednesday morning, April 2nd, 2014 at Golden Living Center of Muncie. He was born April 28th, 1923 in Muncie, IN and was the son of the late Clarence L. & Rosemary (Carder) Tharp.
Cecil was a lifelong resident of the area and graduated from Eaton High School in 1941. After graduation, Cecil reported to Glenn Martin Aircraft Factory of Baltimore, Maryland and worked in the final assembly department, manufacturing B-26 bombers. Cecil retired from Borg Warner as a machine operator after 33 years of service from 1942-1975. He proudly and honorably served his country during WWII in the United States Navy from September 27, 1943 to 1946. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Eaton. Cecil built several homes in the Eaton area for his family. He was a genealogist having researched and compiled the family''s genealogy. He loved reading and discussing history and genealogy with family and friends. Cecil was a member of the Eaton American Legion Post 90 and served on the Eaton Town Board.
Cecil is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Mary Jane (McKinley) Tharp of Eaton, whom he married September 21st, 1946 in Union Grove Chapel Church of the Brethren Parsonage.; his five children Sharon S. Morris (Richard), Edwin L. Tharp (Kyle), Lynden K. Tharp (Linnea) all of Eaton, Theresa A. Bundy (Michael) of Kissimmee, FL, and Cynthia J. Marquell (Richard) of Muncie; eight grandchildren James R. Morris (Tonya), Duane L. Morris (Melanie), Nicholas L. Marquell (Tiffany), Natalie L. Stuckey (Jay), Melissa J. Allers (Robert), Stephen M. Bundy (Jennifer), Ashley S. Tharp(fianc Chester Bailey), and Tiffany Cadenhead(Scott); two step-grandchildren Brian Crawley(Dawn) and Kristy Starling (Chris); nineteen great grandchildren, eight step great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings Francis R. Tharp, his twin sister, Celia (Susie) Castelo and Thelma R. Linsmeyer, a brother-in-law Joseph Castelo Sr.
Funeral Services for Cecil will be held Monday, April 7th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.at Garden View Funeral Home, with Pastor Penelope Brown officiating. Burial with Military Honors being conducted by the Delaware County Honor Guard and the United States Navy will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Family and friends may call Sunday, April 6th, 2014 from 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Christian in Eaton with envelopes provided at the funeral home.