Walter Owen Tharp, 66, of French Creek, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Louis A. Johnson V.A. Medical Center in Clarksburg.
He was born in Buckhannon on October 19, 1959, to the late Birten Vance Tharp and Josephine Merle Byrd Tharp. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by four siblings: Lulu Belle Jones, Vera Alice Butko, Howard Tharp, and Esker S. Tharp; and four brothers-in-law: Everett Butcher, Herb Jones, Bob Adams, and Billy Gywn.
Walter is survived by five children: Brode Tharp and fiancé, Jess, Ashley Kirkpatrick, Tara Tharp, Brock Tharp, and Angela Chavarria; son-in-law, Antonio Ortiz; three grandchildren: Darryl Flynn, Kyson Alderman, and Sofia Ortiz; ten siblings: William Tharp and wife, Gloria, Burton Tharp and wife, Faye, Violet Butcher, Lenore Adams, Rose Gywn, Peggy Bennett and husband, Jim, Wilma Hamrick and husband, Junior, Christine Crider and husband, Don, John Tharp, and Opal Tharp; brother-in-law, Henry Butko; and several nieces and nephews.
Walter was a proud graduate of Pickens High School, class of 1977, and carried the values he learned there throughout his life. His determined spirit and hardworking nature led him to a fulfilling career as a truck driver in the freight industry. He was a man who found joy and purpose in labor, and his work ethic was something to be admired.
But it was outside of his job that Walter’s true colors shone brightest. An avid outdoorsman, he found peace and solace in the wilderness, whether hunting, fishing, or simply taking in the tranquility of nature. Walter’s hands were rarely idle, as he loved to tinker on cars or fix anything that needed repair. One of his favorite places to be was at the family farm in Webster County with his brother John.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made directly to Clutter Funeral and Cremation. CLICK HERE to donate or mail donations to 21 Elnora Circle, Buckhannon, WV 26201. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Walter Owen Tharp. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
