SHARPE – Richard Keith Sharpe passed away on January 5 2010. He was 88 years old. Keith was born February 16 1921 in Detroit MI. He lived in Grand Rapids the past 60 years. Keith proudly served his country in World War II as an Air Force Navigator and flew 35 missions and logged over 226 hours over Central Europe. First Lieutenant Sharpe was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Force Medal with Four Oak Clusters. He always claimed to have received these honors for shining his shoes and brushing his teeth. He attended the University of Michigan and was a dedicated employee of the Michigan Consolidated Gas Co. for over 30 years. Keith also was involved in Junior Achievement for many years. Keiths humor and keen wit will be deeply missed by his loving family including his wife of 25 years Phyllis; his son Richard Casey Sharpe and his wife Gayle; daughter Eve Lynne (Castor) ORourke and husband Thomas ORourke; his son Jamie Castor Pam Castor; his grandchildren Kevin ORourke; Colleen ORourke-Jasinski; Chris Jasinski; Justin Castor and wife Jamie Lynne Castor; his great-grandchildren Evan Jasinski Emilia Jasinski; Hailey Castor and Isabella Castor. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Martha Elizabeth (Breen) (Castor) Sharpe. Memorial Mass will be offered Saturday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 1935 Plymouth SE Rev. Troy Nevins presiding. Visitation 2-4 and 6:30-8:30 PM at the OBrien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Kent County 3077 Wilson NW Grand Rapids MI 49534.
