Laverne Sharp

After a 4-year battle with an aggressive Melanoma, our precious Dad, Grandfather, Brother-in-Law, Uncle, Cousin and Friend went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 29, 2021.

Laverne Sharp was born on Nov. 30, 1930, in Thornton, Washington. His parents were Howard Lester Sharp and Roxie Roberts Sharp.

In 1936 Laverne attended First Grade at the school in Steptoe, Wash., which is still operating today. The family moved to LaCrosse, Wash., in 1937 where Laverne attended grades 2-5. The family then moved to Garfield in 1941 where Laverne attended 6th grade. He graduated from Garfield High School on May 24, 1949.

Laverne loved sports. He played baseball, basketball and football, although baseball and basketball were his favorite sports. Laverne was on the basketball team in 1945 when they won the county wide basketball championship. While living in Garfield he worked at the local grocery store and drove harvest wheat truck for the John Elder family.

During his years in Garfield, Laverne’s family started attending the First Baptist Church in Colfax, Wash. It was during that time that he met his sweetheart, Maryann Kramlich, daughter of William and Annette Kramlich of Colfax. Their romance continued through their High School years and in 1951 were engaged to be married. Unfortunately, ‘Uncle Sam’ had a different plan and their marriage had to be delayed.

In November of 1951, Laverne reported to Fort Lewis and went on to Camp Roberts in California for basic training and later to Camp Cook, California for advanced training. After completion of training, he shipped out for Japan and on to Korea where he was assigned as a gunner on a 60 mortar artillery weapon and experienced heavy combat. He later transferred to the Company Office as a company clerk and assistant administrator. His job included identifying and reporting on all KIA (killed in action) and WIA (wounded in action).

He was discharged from the Army on December 2, 1953.

After being apart for two years, he married his sweetheart, Maryann Kramlich, on December 17,1953, at the First Baptist Church in Colfax, Wash. and were married 63 years. They had two children, Kenneth Douglas Sharp and Kathryn Dianne Sharp. They lived in Pullman for a short time where Laverne worked at JC Penny. The couple then moved back to Colfax and soon after Laverne hired on with Washington State Department of Transportation at the Colfax shop. Later he became lead tech and worked out of the pullman office shop. He retired in 1982 after 28 years of service. After retiring from the State Dept. of Transportation, Laverne hired on as a bus driver for the Colfax School District. He took many trips with the band, the sports teams and field trips. He loved the kids and staff and was proud to be present to cheer on the Colfax Bulldogs at sporting events as well

He retired after driving 18 years.

Laverne liked to stay active. During the summers he drove harvest wheat truck for several of the area farmers including the late Ernie Schultz family farm.

Laverne was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Colfax. He served as a Deacon, a Trustee, Sunday school teacher, and sang in the choir. He loved the Lord very much and made sure that his life reflected the love of Christ to those around him.

Laverne was active in the Colfax community. He coached the summer varsity boy’s baseball team and won the Whitman County baseball championship two years in a row. He then coached Pony League so he could coach and spend more time with his son, Ken.

Laverne was preceded in death by his wife, Maryann Sharp of Colfax, Wash., his son Rev. Ken Sharp, of Nashville, Tennesse, brother, Jerry Sharp of Oakesdale, Wash., and his parents Howard and Roxie Sharp of Garfield, Washington.

Surviving Laverne are his daughter, Mrs. Kathryn D. Russ and son-in-law Michael G. Russ; four grandchildren, Michael K. Sharp of Nashville, TN, Derrick McDonald of Rockvale, TN, Hannah McDonald of Rockvale, TN, and Haley Stanley of Rockvale, TN; daughter-in-law Tammy Sharp of Rockvale, TN; sisters-in-law, June Sharp, Virginia Huber, Iris Kramlich, Violet Kramlich; and one brother-in-law, John Huber.

The family requests that memorials be given to The Union Gospel Mission or First Baptist Church, Colfax, WA. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Colfax followed by a graveside service at the Colfax Cemetery.

Online guest book is at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com. Bruning Funeral Home is caring for the family.