Charles Sharpless Jr.

Charles was born on September 9, 1937 in Camden, NJ. He grew up in Merchantville, NJ and studied radio and television repair, learning skills that he quickly put to use in service of our nation. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1955. He was stationed in Freising, Germany where he met a beautiful local girl who became the love of his life and wife of 55 years. Together, they had a daughter and two sons.

In all ways, Charles lived a life of service to others. He was a proud patriot and served his country in both military and civilian capacities. He worked as a radar specialist on the front lines of Project Falling Leaves(Cuban Missile Crisis). As a member of NASA’s Lunar Module team, he participated in the national effort to land American astronauts on the moon, and he furthered exploration elsewhere with his subsequent contributions to the Space Shuttle program.

Charles was a loving and diligent caretaker of his wife, Annemarie, for the years she suffered from chronic illness. He truly lived his wedding vows, and their love was a powerful witness of marriage. Charles brought joy to any gathering through his quick wit and sharp humor. Those that love him will remember him as the bedrock of his family who could be counted on for constant support, quiet strength and killer hugs.

Charles was a member of the Houston Vintage Radio Association and served terms as President and Treasurer. As a ham radio operator, K5HDV, he had worked over 120 countries and all 50 states. He was a parishioner at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in LaPorte, TX where he helped others work through their own grief as a facilitator of the Samaritan Ministry Bereavement Program.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife, Annemarie. He is survived by his daughter, Annemarie and husband, Kevin Crowley; son, Charles and wife Lori; son, Kenny; puppy, Rascal; grandchildren: Joanna Cannizzaro and husband, Patrick; Rachel, Sean, Christine and Austin Crowley; Laurel and Lindsey Sharpless; Kenny Sharpless, Jr. and fiancée, Monica; Christopher and Lauren Sharpless, and great-grandchildren Lucy, Cecilia and Baby Cannizzaro and Carter Sharpless.

Visitation: Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 5:00-9:00p.m., Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, TX 77023

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, February 22, 2017, 10:00a.m., St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 816 Park Dr., LaPorte, TX 77571 to be followed by reception at church hall.

Burial: Thursday, February 23, 2017, 11:00a.m., Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038

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