Clive Harris Tharpe, Jr., 88, of Winfield, Kansas passed away Monday afternoon, April 11, 2016 at Cumbernauld Village.

Clive was born in Jackson, Mississippi on October 2, 1927 to Clive Harris and Thelma (Hardin) Tharpe. In 1945, Clive joined the United States Maritime Service (Merchant Marines). He was drafted into the Army in 1946, served one year, and returned to the Merchant Marines until 1952 when he was honorably discharged. Clive worked for General Electric for 38 years beginning as an aircraft mechanic at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in flight testing. He advanced to a jet engine technical representative which took him to Taiwan, Thailand, Libya, and South Viet Nam to train the local mechanics there. Clive also worked with the US Navy in Pensacola, Key West and San Diego. He transferred to Ontario, CA, became a jet propulsion engineer, and in 1985, transferred to Strother Field.

He married Laura Jones in 1950. They later divorced. On June 27, 1970, he was united in marriage to Janice Bach at Luke AFB, Arizona, who he had met in Libya. Clive enjoyed reading, gardening and all types of music, especially blues and jazz.

Survivors include:
His wife: Jan Tharpe of Winfield;
His daughter: Lisa Tharpe of Chicago, IL;
His son: Christopher Tharpe and wife, Hillary;
His grandsons: Bryson, Ryland, Carson and Tyler of Woodstock, GA;
His sister: Ruby McLemore of Jackson, MS; and
His brother: Loring Tharpe of Hot Springs Village, AR.

Clive was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, J.K. "Bubba" Tharpe and E. Grant Tharpe.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Private burial will take place at a later time.

A memorial has been established in Clive's name for Cumbernauld Village. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.