John "Jack" F. Sharp

John "Jack" F. Sharp Sr. , 86, of Rio, Illinois, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Peterson-Wallin-Knox Funeral Home in Alpha. The funeral service will be Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Rio Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at the Alexis Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be left to the Rio Presbyterian Church. Online condolences can be left at www.petersonwallinknox.com

Jack was born October 24, 1936 in Alexis, the son of Arthur and Inez Petrie Sharp. He worked for many years as an over the road truck driver for several companies including, Castle Mills and United Personnel. He also worked as a heavy equipment operator, helping out the Mercer and Rio Townships. Jack also would help Terry Leafgreen during the planting and harvesting seasons. He married Charlotte Heth on July 24, 2007 in Preemption, Illinois.

He was a member of the Rio Presbyterian Church, and former member of the Alpha United Methodist Church. Jack was also a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department and a Million Mile Award recipient. He loved shooting at the range, hunting, fishing, and racing his late model stock cars.

He is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte Sharp of Rio; children, Cheryl Stevens of North Henderson, John F. (Faye) Sharp Jr. of Galesburg; Charlottes son, Craig (Lisa) Heizer of Joliet; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and special nephew, Chuck (Pam) Hauman of Rock Island.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; son Ernest Arthur Sharp; grandson, Brandon Stevens; and sisters, Martha Dublo, Fern Herzberg, and Lois Hauman.