The Rev. Shane Ian Tharp

Reverend Shane Ian Tharp, 42, died suddenly Friday October 16, 2015 in Wichita, Kansas while walking and talking with his spiritual director, Reverend John Lanzrath. Father Tharp was born in Oklahoma City on January 23, 1973, one of four children of Richard and Margaret (Patton) Tharp. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 2000 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Oklahoma City. He served the Archdiocese and its people for over 15 years. He served as Associate Pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Church, Oklahoma City and Saint Peter Church, Woodward and Missions. He was also the Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Alva and Missions, Saint Wenceslaus Church, Prague and Mission, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Nicoma Park, Holy Name of Jesus Church, Chickasha and his current assignment as the pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church, Lawton and Saint Mary Catholic School. He also served as the Chaplain and religion teacher at Mount Saint Mary Catholic School and as Chaplain of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. Father Tharp was a true servant who frequently spoke of his personal journey of faith from being unchurched to making a profession of faith in the Catholic Church to ultimately answering the call to the priesthood. As a true disciple, his passion was guiding others to know the love of Jesus Christ. Preceded in death by his father, Richard Tharp, and his brother, James Tharp, he is survived by his mother, Margaret Tharp, his sisters, Teresa Tharp and Catherine Tharp, and his niece and her husband, Erin and Thad Merrill, as well as many friends and parishioners. All will remember his faith, famous wit, sense of humor, great intelligence, and gregarious laughter. A Vigil service will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 6:00 pm at Blessed Sacrament Church, Lawton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Oklahoma City on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow immediately at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, 7801 N.W. Expressway, Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Birth Choice of Oklahoma, 4701 South Western Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73109.