John H. Sharkey

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother went to be with his Heavenly Father on September 22, 2010. John Howard Sharkey was born on February 4, 1942 in Houston, Texas, the younger of two sons of the late James and Geraldine Sharkey. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1960 and received his BBA from The University of Texas, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, in 1965. While at the University, he was introduced to his future wife, Carolyn Bell, of Austin. They married in 1966, and John began his business career with Cameron Iron Works in Houston. He later worked as a commercial real estate broker for a number of years before moving to Austin in 1978 and joining Central Texas Equipment Company as its Secretary-Treasurer. He helped grow the 50-year-old firm, a successful construction equipment company, until the family sold the business in 1998. Upon his retirement, he got to really begin doing what he most enjoyed - fishing, hunting, gardening, watching sports and spending time with his family and especially his much loved and long-awaited granddaughter.

John was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carolyn, his daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Mark Walker of Corte Madera, California, his granddaughter Ellie Bell Walker, his brother, Tom Sharkey of Aspen, Colorado, his niece, Katie Sharkey of Aspen, Colorado and his nephew Gary Sharkey of London, England.

John was a quiet, well-read and deeply introspective man. He gave so much to his family with his sage advice, good counsel and dry sense of humor. He was a wonderful athlete growing up and excelled in football and track in his high school years. He always loved the outdoors, and particularly enjoyed the time spent at his home on the Guadalupe River where he caught many “keepers.”

John suffered a severe stroke to his spinal cord on August 18, 2010, which would leave him paralyzed. Although he fought fiercely and bravely to get better, it was not to be. God gave him a true gift in ending his suffering, and we are assured of his healing and better life now in God’s kingdom.

John’s family loved him deeply, but has found solace in knowing that he is now at peace and no longer in pain. We will love and miss him all of our days, for he was our rock.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 28 at eleven o’clock at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, with Reverend Jane Louis and Reverend Kelly Koonce officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in John’s name to: Dr. Bud Dryden Medical Emergency Fund, c/o The Seton Fund, 1201 West 38th Street, Austin, Texas 78705 or The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, P. O. Box 5176, Austin, Texas 78763, or the Charity of One’s Choice.

Our dear John fought the good fight and finally won the race, and for this we are eternally thankful. His victory gives us the strength to go on without him in our lives.