Richard Eugene Sharp

A Celebration of Life will be held for Richard E. (Gene) Sharp Friday September 12th at 11 a.m. at Ertel Memorial Chapel. Military services will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Gene was born September 1, 1929, to Oliver Edison and Edna Alene (McCartney) Sharp at Miners Hospital in Silverton, Colorado. He passed away September 3rd, 2025, at his home surrounded by family, two days after his 96th birthday. His dad took the position as supervisor of the electric plant at Tacoma, Colorado when he was about 3 years old. Because there were no schools there, he was sent to stay with friends and relatives in and around Durango for his schooling until his dad bought a ranch at Bondad, Colorado and he was finally able to live at home and finish his education, graduating from Durango High. He immediately enlisted in the Navy (much to his dad’s displeasure. He wanted Gene to stay and help work the ranch. He enlisted for 2 years but because of the Korean War had another year and a half added on. He was honorably discharged August 1951.

Gene’s dream was to become a dentist so he enrolled at Snow College in Ephriam, Utah to begin that journey. It was there he met the love of his life, Juanita Llewellyn. They were married June 21st, 1952 the beginning of a 68 year marriage. Their first child was born in 1953, the next in 1954. He realized becoming a dentist wasn’t possible so he changed his major to education. He, Juanita and now 2 babies moved to Alamosa, Colorado so he could attend Adams State College. He taught part time while going to school in a little rural school near Alamosa. After graduating, he accepted a position with the Cortez School District, teaching 8th grade History. He was a much loved Educator for almost 31 years. During summer break he worked as a Park Ranger at Mesa Verde National Park, a role he cherished! After retirement he and his longtime friend, Jack O’Brian worked for the Forest Service cleaning trails. He enjoyed that job too!

He and Juanita were avid campers. They were campground hosts for several years at different campgrounds in the area. They meet many lifelong friends during this time. They’d all meet up every summer at which ever campground Gene and Juanita were host. They often traveled to see these friends, something they really enjoyed.

Gene enjoyed woodworking, turning out beautiful aspen vases, goblets and bowls. He made them in all sizes, even some one inch high. He made cedar chest for his daughters and Juanita; lamps, a desk: all beautiful and treasured. He was an avid reader, enjoying mainly westerns, especially those written by Louis L’Amour. He collected marbles and train memorabilia. Buying him Christmas and birthday gifts was like buying for a little kid. He was always thrilled with his new toys!

Gene wore many hats in his lifetime: son, brother, teacher, park ranger, husband, father, granddad, great granddad and even dubbed “Grand-dog” by one of his great grandsons. The hat he was proudest of was that of father. He would tell whoever would listen about how proud he was of his kids and their work ethics, kind hearts, and parenting skills, talents. What he failed to recognized was that they learned everything from him and Juanita. They were true parents, supportive and devoted to each other and the families.

He is survived by his daughter Beckie Hoey (Don), Debby Sutch, Larry (Val), Nancy Shelton (Maurice) and Daughter in-law Sam Sharp (Shaw), 12 grandkids, 22 great-grandkids, 11 great-great grandkids.

He is proceeded in death by his wife Juanita, son Kay, his parents, sister Peg, granddaughter Jessica, great-great grandson Tye and his brother by another mother, John Kenoyer.

Gene didn’t belong to a formal religion, but he was religious. He often said he was closer to God when he was in the mountains and that there were no better churches than the flowers, trees, and scenery found among them.

He loved going for rides and exploring, especially to Silverton and Durango. He would reminisce and tell stories along the way. He was very sociable, loved having family and friends over. He had a killer sense of humor that was with him till the end. He touched many lives in his 96 years. We are thankful and very blessed to have had him with us these many years. He will be missed.