Jesse Sharp

Jesse Elmer Sharp was born on November 17, 1927, the son of Harry and Olga (Olson) Sharp in Dow City, Iowa. He was baptized into the Christian faith. Jesse began his education in Dow City before attending Ute High School.

Following his education, Jesse enlisted in the United States Army Infantry, where he proudly served his country for 22 years. During his military career, he spent five and a half years with the Presidential Honor Guard. He holds the distinction of being the only Honor Guard member to serve throughout President John F. Kennedy's inauguration, entire presidency, and funeral. Jesse was placed in charge of the death watch for President Kennedy and remained with the casket from the time it arrived at the White House until the President was laid to rest.

During his first tour of duty in Germany, Jesse met Marianne Pauli. The couple was united in marriage on December 24, 1955, in Augsburg, Germany. During the Vietnam War, Jesse served as a member of a military advisory group consisting of twelve Americans assigned to train approximately 10,000 Vietnamese soldiers.

Following his honorable retirement from the United States Army, Jesse and Marianne lived in Arlington, Virginia, for one year. During that time, a friend with whom Jesse had served on the Presidential Honor Guard was serving as the county sheriff. Recognizing Jesse's character and leadership, he hired him as a deputy, providing him with his badge and firearm despite Jesse having no prior law enforcement experience. Jesse later worked at Washington National Airport, where he supervised custodial operations with a staff of 180 employees from 1970 to 1988.

In 1989, Jesse and Marianne made their home in Denver, Colorado, where Jesse owned and operated a car detailing shop until 1990. Following Marianne's retirement that year, the couple relocated to Odebolt, Iowa, where they continued to make their home.

Jesse was a member of both the Dow City American Legion and the Ute American Legion. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and crafted a variety of items, including bird feeders, poker tables, chairs, and many other projects. He also loved fishing and, alongside Marianne, took great pride in the flower gardens surrounding their home.

Jesse enjoyed spending time with friends on the local pool league and trying his luck at the casino. He especially loved children and treasured time with his nieces and nephews, teaching them military structure and sharing stories that seemed to grow a little bigger with each telling. He also looked forward to visiting the bowling alley in Odebolt, where he enjoyed good meals and catching up with familiar faces.

Jesse passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, surrounded by many loved ones, at his home in Dow City at the age of 98 years, eight months and 15 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marianne Sharp; brothers: Vernon (Irene) Sharp and Vinton (Rosemary) Sharp; sisters: Irene (Whitey) Cole, Beulah (Ben) Mulligan, Betty (Bob) Larson, Alma (Floyd) Wade and Marylou (Myron) Raymer; and several nieces and nephews.

Jesse is survived by many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

His funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Interment with military honors will be held in the Dow City Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.