Dr. Thomas Wayne Sharp

Dr. Thomas Wayne Sharp, aged 79, passed away peacefully in Bloomington, Indiana on December 19th surrounded by his family and loved ones. After graduating from Indiana University School of Medicine and completing his internship in 1973, Tom started working in Bloomington, Indiana, in family practice. He was the Monroe County Health Commissioner from 1976 until spring 2023. He was a respected member of his profession and a lifetime member of the Monroe Owen County Medical Society. Tom was an avid fan of the Indiana University Hoosiers, a member of the Well House Society, and enjoyed all IU sporting events. In his free time, Tom enjoyed golf, basketball, pickleball, tennis, and social events. Tom's parents were in education; his father was a schoolteacher, principal, coach and superintendent, and his mother was a teacher, dean, and counselor in Indiana schools. His childhood afforded him the experience of growing up in many locations, Auburn, Hamilton, Spencer, Logansport Tehran, Iran, Bloomington, and Highland. Tom's humor and kindness were key traits that provided comfort to those around him, easing the fears of patients and fostering strong relationships with colleagues. He valued shared experiences with family, particularly gatherings and vacations, where connection and interaction were central. As an extrovert, Tom thrived in lively environments, contributing to family traditions, and leaving lasting memories. Tom is survived by his partner, Olga Kaufmann; Kim Sharp; his children, Megan Wheeler and husband Jerry of Westfield, Alison Tunstall and husband Allen of Zionsville, and Sara Sharp of Bloomington; grandchildren, Emily Hinds (Dayton), Declan Wheeler, Isabella Tunstall, Andrew Bush, Rylan Wheeler, Graydon Tunstall, Maddox Wheeler, and Chloe Tunstall; 3 great grandchildren; his brother Charles Sharp of Colorado; his sisters Anne Lucas of Bloomington, and Susan Sharp of Marin County, California; his cousins Jim Sharp, and Mike and Dan Emrick; and many nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Charles Lee Sharp and Virginia May Sharp; uncles and aunts, Earl and Veral Sharp, Florence and Charles Emrick, and Carol and Herbert Magnussen; and cousin James Sharp. The family will hold services at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the IU School of Medicine. Please make checks payable to: IU Foundation and mail to IUF; PO Box 7072; Indianapolis, IN 46207-7072. Indicate “In memory of Dr. Thomas W. Sharp” on the memo line, you may also go to https://go.iu.edu/8rU9 All donations will be routed to further liver research. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 has been entrusted with the services and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www,allencares.com

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Dr. Thomas Wayne Sharp

October 25, 1945 - December 19, 2024