Edward Lee Tharp

Edward ("Coon") Lee Tharp Ed passed away on May 10, 2026, at the age of 83 years, 9 months, and 26 days—just shy of his 84th birthday. He spent the last 33 years of his life in Mayer, Arizona, and passed away in Prescott Valley. He was born on July 14, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana to George Tharp and Mildred Manix, both deceased. As a young man, Ed entered the United States Army, where he served as an Airborne paratrooper and achieved the rank of Sergeant during the Vietnam era. He valued his military service, which provided him with structure, skills, and lifelong connections. Following his military service, Ed lived a full and unconventional life, working a wide variety of jobs, including carpenter, jeweler, oil rig cook, stagehand, handyman, bookstore clerk, airport maintenance worker, and many others. He was known for his adaptability, resourcefulness, and willingness to take on whatever work life required. Ed had a strong personality and a quick sense of humor. He loved storytelling, music, and spending time with friends. Music—especially the Grateful Dead—remained a lifelong passion and an important source of joy and connection. He was also an artist who enjoyed working with his hands and writing letters. He loved motorcycles, books, airplanes, history, militaria, jazz and blues music, Cajun food, and a good cup of chicory coffee. He was especially fond of his cats. In his later years, the Arizona Deadhead community became a profoundly meaningful part of his life, offering friendship, belonging, and a level of comfort and connection that mattered deeply to him. He is survived by his wife, Mary Katherine Tharp; his daughter, Renée Matthews Carson; and his grandsons, Mark Everett Carson and Christopher John Carson. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Brooks Tharp, and his brother, Alexander Tharp. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, beginning at sunset, at Rock Springs, 35900 S. Old Black Canyon Highway, Rock Springs, Arizona. Ed will be remembered for his humor, resilience, creativity, and his ability to keep moving forward through life’s challenges. His presence left a lasting impression on those who knew and loved him.