Hershal Donald Sharp

Hershal Donald Sharp, 87, passed away on April 17, 2023, surrounded by his family. Hershal was born in Marlin, Texas on August 1, 1935, to his parents Hershal Cross Sharp and Ruth Frasier Sharp. He is preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister, Linda Lou Sharp. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Maria Ray Sharp, his children Anna Hardcastle (Christopher) and Phillip Sharp (Nikki), his grandchildren Nick (Val), Allison (Taylor) and Catherine Emanus, Dustin and Caleb Sharp and his great grandchild Holden Emanus, as well as his brother Carey Sharp (Marianne).

Prior to joining the United States Air Force, Hershal was a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and a student at Baylor University. He retired from the armed forces after 20 years, during which time he earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern Mississippi while stationed at Biloxi, Mississippi. After his retirement, he began a second career at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas as a History Instructor, where he was soon promoted to Assistant Dean of the Academy. After several years at the Marine Military Academy, he joined the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District in an administrative capacity. He enjoyed spending most Saturday mornings on the Tony Butler Golf Course with his school district colleagues and his son, Phillip. After advancing through the ranks within the school district, he retired again as Assistant Personnel Director in the Central Administrative Office. During his time in the educational system in Harlingen, Hershal earned his Master Degree in Counseling as well as his Master Degree in School Administration from the University of Texas – Pan American.

Upon his retirement he gained an interest in many hobbies and pastimes, ranging from refurbishing vintage and antique cuckoo clocks to model railroading. His sizable train set, built by hand, is now on permanent loan to the Stinson Air Museum in San Antonio, Texas, where he’d been a volunteer for the past 15 years.

A devoted family man, Hershal will be deeply missed by those who had the opportunity to be a part of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Texas Air Museum – Stinson Chapter, 1234 99th Street, San Antonio, TX 78214.