John "Benny" Sharpe

John “Benny” Sharpe

November 9, 1944 – April 12, 2021

   John Lawson “Benny” Sharpe, 76, of Deshler, Ohio passed away Monday morning, April 12, 2021 at his residence.

   He was born November 9, 1944 in Napoleon, Ohio to the late Lawson Sharpe and Frances (Burrows) Spurgeon. 

   In grade school, John met a girl by the name of Linda Hogrefe.  For years they walked to school together and were the best of friends.  After dating in high school, on December 22, 1962 they were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Deshler and have shared over 58 years of marriage together.

   John was a 1962 graduate of Deshler High School.  As a young man he began working for Paul “Shakey” Wensink at the Pure Gas Station, Deshler and then for Herm Steffan at Steffan Ford, Deshler.  In September of 1978 he opened his own business and operated as Sharpe’s Auto Service.  He was a meticulous, hard working and skilled mechanic.  He provided his services to his community until retiring in April of 2014.

   He was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Deshler where he served on church council, was an usher and the church custodian.  After retirement he worked for Bartlow Township and was a groundskeeper at Woodlawn Cemetery.  He was a member of the Maumee Valley Sportsman Club, Malinta; Son’s of American Legion Post 316, Deshler and the Snowmobile Association of Michigan.

   Benny was a great neighbor and friend who will be remembered for his fun character and sense of humor.  In his free time, he enjoyed a good pizza and trips with friends to a local winery.  He was also very fond of watching the boats and activities at Port Huron, Michigan.  But above all, as a good Christian man, he was devoted to his faith and family.  He will forever be an adored husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother.

   He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Carla (Ron) Yarnell; Jackie Sharpe Shidler; grandchildren, Megan (Todd) Miller; Brian (Taylor) Yarnell; Brad (Katie) Yarnell; Lacey (Josh) Powell; Lindy (Kenny) Brand; Jake (Sierra) Shidler; great grandchildren, Hadley; Lucy; Hayes; Layke; Brody; Tenleigh; Brooks; Jola; Reese; Riggs; Kyla; Konlee; Wyatt; Kestlee; Delanee; Marlee; Brezlee; Grady; Rowyn; brothers, Rick (Carole) Spurgeon and Steve “Bones” Spurgeon.

   He was also preceded in death by sister, Earla Sharpe and brothers, Mark Spurgeon and Michael “Cully” Spurgeon.

   Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Deshler with Rev. James Budke officiating.  Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler.

   Visitation will be from 1-7 p.m. on Wednesday at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler and from 9-10 a.m., Thursday at the church.  Anyone attending should wear a mask and practice social distancing.

   The family suggests memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Bridge Hospice.  Those unable to attend my leave a message or memory for the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com.

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