Donald W. Sharkey
Donald W. Sharkey, 79, of Hannibal, Mo., passed away at 8:24 AM, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at his home.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00AM Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal. Rev. Tom Lemons will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, Mo.
Friends and Family are invited to Don’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, October 28, 2024, at the funeral home.
Arrangements for cremation will follow the service.
Don was born June 30, 1945, in Hannibal, to Edward Earl Sharkey and Mildred V. Coleman Sharkey.
Don married his childhood sweetheart, meeting his future bride when he was 14 years old. He was happily married for over 61 years to Archella K. Houston. They were united in marriage on August 25, 1963, at Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra. She survives.
Other survivors include his three sons, Ryan Sharkey (Jacqueline) of Hannibal, Darin Sharkey of Hannibal, and Kalin Sharkey (Tressa) of Columbia, Mo.; one brother, Mervin Sharkey of Hannibal; three sisters, Joyce Hirner (Charles) of New London, Mo., Jill Atkins of Hannibal, and Susie Murphy (David) of Hannibal; three sisters-in-law, Diana “Tudy” Stewart (Jim), Teri Hoenes (Rendell), and Kim Harmon (Joe); one brother-in-law, Chuck Houston (Amy); and four grandchildren, Ella Sharkey, Emma Sharkey, Taylor Sharkey, and Ashlin Sharkey. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Archie and Ellouise Houston; one sister, Carol Ann Gottman and one daughter-in-law, Kami Sharkey.
Don retired from the Missouri Department of Transportation after 35 years where he served as a Senior Construction Inspector for many years. In his retirement, Don continued to serve as a consultant with MODOT. Over his career Don worked on and oversaw numerous projects, there is a high degree of probability that if you drove on it, he helped to build it. Some of Don’s more notable projects included the four laning of Highway 61 from Hannibal to St. Louis and the four laning of Highway 36 westward. He was also proud to have worked on the “new” Mississippi Bridge in Hannibal along with the bridge crossing the Mississippi River in West Quincy, Mo.
Don loved his family and his community. He cherished the time he spent on the family farm. A dairy farmer for many years, Don enjoyed the demanding work of the farm, but always felt most at home there. A fixture at the Hannibal YMCA, Don could often be seen there visiting with friends, but always getting in his daily workout. Dedicated to the youth of the area Don was instrumental in helping to start several youth sports programs, including The Hannibal Youth Wrestling Club and he was active in many youth baseball programs ranging from Khoury League to American Legion. Don was an excellent coach that helped to start many area youth on the path to success on the field and after their playing days. His competitive spirit often motivated those around him, but his sincere friendship with his former players was always remembered. Don was also a sports fan and loved to follow the Hannibal Pirates and rarely missed a game attending many events over the years ranging from football to baseball to wrestling to cross country.
Don enjoyed classic and antique cars. From his Olds 55 to the Black & Red ‘87 Chevy Silverado 4X4 truck. He was a member of the Loafers Car Club and could be found at all the shows and events. Traveling with the love of his life Archella in recent years produced countless memories. Adventures to Alaska, travels to Italy and soaking in the beauty of Colorado were all memorable occasions. Don also had a love for food. He never missed an opportunity to stop at Krispie Crème Donuts if the “Hot Now” donut sign was on. A self-admitted ice cream addict, it was common to find Don enjoying vanilla ice cream with a fork in the middle of the night directly from the container! Clam Chowder from Fiddlestik’s, Olive Garden’s spaghetti and Archella’s fried chicken were also top on Don’s list.
Spending time with his family brought Don joy. He loved being a grandpa, attending his grandchildren’s activities and events and simply being together. A caring man that was generous with his time and dedication to others, Don loved people. A co-worker, a coach, a dad, grandpa, brother, husband and friend to many. Don will be remembered for his caring spirit and friendly demeanor. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Don was Methodist by faith and was a longtime member of Hydesburg United Methodist Church.
Pallbearers will be Ella Sharkey, Emma Sharkey, Taylor Sharkey and Ashlin Sharkey.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hannibal Pirate Booster Club for the Sharkey Award, the Hydesburg United Methodist Church, or the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.JamesODonnell
FuneralHome.com.
