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Official Obituary of

Karl W. Sharples

January 22, 1931 ~ July 5, 2020 (age 89) 89 Years Old

Karl Sharples Obituary

SHARPLES

Karl W.

Age 89, of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully at his home in Philadelphia surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 5, 2020. He was born on January 22, 1931 in Philadelphia to Samuel and Ella (Linne) Sharples. Karl was a Sergeant in the US Army during the Korean War, where he earned The Purple Heart and Bronze Star w/Valor. He also served and retired from the National Guard. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him; as his family and friends will attest. He was an active member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart for a number of years. In addition, Karl played a huge role in the planning and building of The Philadelphia Korean War Memorial at Penn's Landing. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW.

After serving in the military, Karl came back home to Philadelphia and met the love of his life, Marge, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Kensington. They married on Christmas Day, 1954. Karl was employed by PGW and started as a meter reader. He was the building engineer at the time of his retirement in 1988. After retirement, Karl and Marge spent most of their time traveling all over the country and parts of Europe. A sticker on their car bumper read "We're spending our kids' inheritance." They moved to their Pocono vacation home in White Haven where they lived for 16 years before returning to Philadelphia.

Karl could fix anything and enjoyed tending to his plants. He will fondly be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His humor was contagious and he was the life of every party. He was a proud patriot with 1st Calvary symbols and American flags displayed all over his residence.

Karl is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Marge, daughters Peggy (Joe) Palys, Denise (late John) Skinner, and Karlene Sharples (late Russell Ganues), grandchildren Andrea (Matt) Podel, Brittany Skinner and Chanel Ganues, and great grandchildren John and Nathan. He was preceded in death by his son, Samuel, who died in infancy, grandchildren Joey and Krystal, and sister Dolores (Joseph) Dietrich.

Due to the pandemic, services and interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PA Wounded Warriors, Inc., 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

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