Van Sharp Jr.

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Van H. Sharp Jr., 88, of New Madrid died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at Methodist North Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

He was born Dec. 16, 1916, in Gideon, Mo., son of Van H. and Mamie Waltrip Sharp. He and Rebecca Hughes were married June 24, 1951, in Cadiz, Ky.

Sharp was a clerk of the circuit court for New Madrid County for 48 years until retiring in 1998. He and his wife owned and operated Rebecca Sharp Catering for 51 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Van H. Sharp III of Sikeston, Mo.; three daughters, Susan Sharp, Cindy Amick, Jennifer Machiran; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, four sisters and a grandson.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church in New Madrid.