Maurice Julian Sharp

Maurice Julian Sharp, 89, of Bella Vista, Ark., left this life on June 18, 2012, in Bella Vista. He was born on Sept. 7, 1922, in Erie, Kan. He attended school in Erie, and after graduation enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Some of his service was as bandsman and he was in pilot training when World War II ended. He graduated from Ottawa University in Kansas and began a career in education. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in counseling and guidance. He worked in student personnel at Texas Tech University, was dean of students at Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, Texas, and dean of men at Tulsa University. He took further training in psychology and became a school psychologist in Great Bend, Kan., where he worked until retirement in 1987 and moved to Bella Vista in 1988. He became a Christian at an early age, and in his faith found guidance and direction for his life. He was always active in his church, serving in many capacities. He was a charter member of Judson American Baptist Church in Bella Vista, now Forest Hills Church. He had many interests, including gem and stone cutting and making silver jewelry. He was a wood and stone carver and belonged to Bella Vista Woodcarvers. He played French horn and guitar, and after moving to Arkansas, took up the dulcimer. He enjoyed hunting, canoeing, fishing and golf. He also enjoyed traveling. The Ottawa University Alumni Distinguished Service award was given to Maurice and Kathryn in 2006. Maurice was a loving husband and father who left happy memories for his family and friends. He is survived by Kathryn, his wife of 63 years; and children, Maury Sharp and husband, Gerald Buck, of Seattle, Wash., David Sharp of Brooklyn, N.Y., Douglas Sharp of Everett, Wash., Daniel Sharp and wife, Janet, of Seattle, Wash. He has two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his twin, Murray Sharp of Bella Vista; and sister, Maxine Grebbien of California. A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, June 26, at 2 p.m. at Forest Hills Church, 1702 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. Memorials may be given to the church. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.