Steven Lee Tharp, 72, of Fredericktown passed away August 23, 2025, after complications from a chronic health condition.
Born on March 11, 1953, to the late Edgar and Mabel (Leedy) Tharp of Mt. Vernon, Steve proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he worked on airplanes. Following his service, he built a life full of love, laughter, and devotion to family. For 50 years, he was blessed to share life with his beloved wife and best friend, Deb. They were blessed with three children. An active Dad, Steve coached soccer and basketball and shared adventurous bike rides across Knox County. From remodeling their farmhouse to tinkering in the shed, Steve was happiest when working with his hands. No job was ever too big or too small. He also shared his love for travel and history with his family, crisscrossing the nation on camping trips throughout the lower 48 states.
Steve worked at Cooper Energy Services, then later Rolls Royce, for nearly 40 years. Practicing his craft as an Electrician and Assemblyman, he dedicated himself to his trade and his dear friends he worked alongside for so many years. A true brotherhood transcended the time at Coopers.
Steve was a proud Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns fan, always cheering on his teams with passion. In his retirement years he enjoyed camping in Florida over the winter months with Deb and riding his Can-Am motorcycle. Steve found joy in new hobbies, tracing ancestry roots for Leedy pioneers of Ankneytown back to Pennsylvania and Switzerland. Steve loved cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends, who meant everything to him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Debra; his children Edwin (Maureen) Tharp, Eric (Camille) Tharp, and Emily Tharp; grandchildren Taytem Tharp, Tylee Tharp, Addyson Tharp, Maxwell Tharp, Brayden Tharp; step-grandchild Connor; brother Fred (Kathy) Tharp; and his four-legged friends Bud, Moose, and Tucker. Steve will also be remembered by his great friends, his Cooper buddies.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends may call on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at the Dowds Snyder Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating Steve’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11 a.m., also at the Dowds Snyder Funeral Home.
Steve will be remembered for his ability to fix anything, his big heart, his devotion to family and friends, and the countless memories he created with those he loved.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com