Claude Harris Sharp

Claude Harris Sharp was welcomed into the comforting arms of Jesus on July 24, 2011. A lifelong resident of Bastrop County, he was born August 17, 1919 to Leonard Gordon Sharp and Deulah Harris Sharp. He attended High Grove and Red Rock schools, graduating from Bastrop High School in 1937. After graduation he worked at the Bastrop Advertiser until he was among the first group of Bastrop County men drafted. During World War II, he served in the 142nd Infantry Regiment of the Army’s 36th Division. The 36th Division “T-Patchers” were the first American troops to land on the European Continent during the Salerno Beach Invasion, September 9, 1943. He also participated in the campaigns of Naples-Foggia and Rome-Arno earning 2 Bronze Battle Stars. As the story goes, his sharp-shooter skills saved the lives of some top brass, earning him a ticket back to the states with a transfer to the 60th Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Wolters, Texas to train replacements for the 36th. A trip home was a blessing indeed: the 36th Division’s casualty list was third highest in Europe. After the war, he continued to serve his country in the Texas Army National Guard, retiring in December 1968 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. At the end of the war, he returned to work at the Bastrop Advertiser as a linotype operator. During summer nights the town turned out to watch veterans play baseball at the new field they had just built -- Fireman’s Park. Playing the position of shortstop and nicknamed “Lightning” he caught the attention of one of the young ladies. On June 15, 1947 he and Effie Davis were married at the Bastrop Christian Church, a church to which they would remain faithful for the rest of their lives. In the early 1960’s he began working at the Austin American, later working for the Steck Company and its successor, Hart Graphics. During his retirement years, he restored two historic homes, fed his cows, and worshiped his grandchildren. Born in a drought, raised in the Depression, grown-up in World War II -- as a soldier, cowman, husband and father -- he retained that old frontier heritage of quietly and determinedly standing his ground year after year, not resting, not rusting, but above all simply enduring, and enduring. “Papa” Sharp was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Effie Davis Sharp, parents, Leonard and Deulah Harris Sharp, and two sisters, Annie Jewell Sharp and Lucille Sharp Simmons. He is survived by his son, Reid Sharp and his wife, Cindy; grandchildren, Avery Sharp, Aaron Goertz and wife, Rosanne, and April Alexander and husband, Sam, and great-granddaughter, Valerie Grace Alexander. He is also survived by a brother-in-law Jack Simmons and two special nieces, Sue Simmons Judson and Connie Davis Trotter and husband, Ben. Insert Funeral Arrangements: The family will receive guests from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday evening, July 26, 2011 at Bastrop Providence Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 27 at First Christian Church in Bastrop, Texas. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Bastrop. Pallbearers will be Wally Namken, Kenneth Fiebrich, Dan Hepker, Ted Schaefer, John Polk, and Corby Weiss. Honorary Pallbearers will be Herman Holt, David Smith, Ben Trotter and Ron Ritz. Memorials may be made to the Bastrop Christian Church 1106 Church Street, Bastrop TX 78602 or to the charity of your choice.