Thomas Jefferson Tharp, Jr.

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Thomas Jefferson Tharp, Jr. of Cost, Texas went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 30, 2019 at the age of 92. He was born on December 12, 1926 in Gonzales County to Thomas Tharp, Sr. and Lydia (Bennet) Tharp. Thomas married Bernell Parsley and shared 56 loving years with her, until she passed. He then went on to marry Margaret Vanek Plunkett on April 19, 2012 in Gonzales, Texas.

Thomas quit school early on to go help his father on the family farm. A few years later, Thomas served his country as a machine gun crewman in the Marine Corps. Shortly after, he went to work for the Highway Department. He started out driving a maintainer, then went on to be a foreman. Thomas retired after 35 years.

Even before retiring, Thomas really dove into his hobbies. He loved to garden, and always had beautiful flowers and an abundance of vegetables. He also did some cattle work, but what he was most passionate about were antique radios. He had a big collection and loved to see if he could get them up and running again. One of the many unique traits Mr. Tharp had was he taught himself how to play the keyboard and guitar. Even though Bernell would not allow him to play in the house, he didn’t let that stop him from learning.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Margaret, brother Horace Tharp and wife Margie of Gonzales, grandchild Rebecca Lowery, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Bernell, brother Leslie Tharp, and an infant sister. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2019 from 5 until 7 P.M. at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales. A graveside service will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, October 4, 2019 in the Wrightsboro Cemetery. Funeral services will follow at 11 A.M. at the Memorial Heights Baptist Church in Gonzales. Pallbearers include: Roger Singleton, Mark Singleton, Mike Singleton, Michael Gurleski, Bobby Gurleski, and Steve Hellinger. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Friends are invited to sign the guestbook by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, Gonzales.

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