July 13, 1917 - January 18, 2008

Gene Tharp departed peacefully from this earth on Friday, January 18, 2008 at his home in Porterville, California. He was 90 years old.

He was born on Friday, the 13th of July, 1917. He always felt like that was his lucky day, but as everyone knew he made his own luck and lived a full life that touched many people over the years. He discovered at a very young age that he had the knack of a “horse trader’ and developed that knack into a one of a kind salesman and business owner starting out with one truck and driving it himself, and then grew it into a trucking firm which later turned into a truck dealership that covers the southern San Joaquin Valley.

Gene was a people person. His many friends, customers and employees decades later can recall the twinkle in his blue eyes that gave fair warning to you that a joke was coming or you were about to get the deal of your life.

He was a true philanthropist back when people were not sure what that word meant. They could attest to how Gene had helped them get through a rough time, buy their first truck, or meet their need any way he could. But you would not have heard it from him.

Gene loved shotguns and enjoyed collecting and trading them over the years. He also enjoyed competing in skeet and trap shoots. He was a better than average shot and acquired many trophies, belt buckles, and awards. His grandson, Casey recalled recently how much he enjoyed as a youngster attending the shoots with his Grandpa.

A book could be written about Gene, the man who never knew a stranger. Suffice it to say that he was a Father, Husband, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle, Friend, and Boss who will be missed by all who knew him.

Besides being a strong supporter of the communityÂ’s youth activities, Gene was also one the original proponents of the Bank of the Sierra, a long time member of the National RiflemanÂ’s Association, a member of the Porterville Elks Lodge, and a member of the Porterville Masonic Lodge.

He leaves behind his wife of 51 years Emmalene Tharp; two sons Morris Tharp and his wife Carol of Springville, and Michael Tharp and his wife Kaye of Big Fork, Montana; one brother Howard Tharp of Porterville. He also leaves three grandchildren, Casey Tharp of Springville, CA, Eddie Tharp of Susanville, Ca, and Kristen Neese of Big Fork, Montana; eight great grandchildren, Brandon, Chelsea and Hayley Tharp of Springville, Sydney, Dalton, and Wyatt Tharp of Susanville, CA, and Shelby and Cody Neese of Big Fork, Montana. In addition he leaves two nieces and one nephew.

Gene was preceded in death by his first wife Velma, mother of Morris and Michael in 1951; also his mother Emma; father Jessie; brothers Roy and Vernon; and sister, Pauline Larson.

Visitation will be held at Myers Chapel on Wednesday, January 23rd from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 24th at 11:00 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Porterville.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Optimal Hospice at 5429 Avenida De Los Robles, Suite D, Visalia, CA 93291.

Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myersfuneral.com.