Orvan Tharp, age 88 of Clare, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the Pioneer Golden Estates in Clare. Orvan was born the son of Miles and Estelle (Spencer) Griffith on June 19, 1934 in Kragon, Kentucky. He was united in marriage to Wilma Morris on December 2, 1955 in Walled Lake. Orvan worked as a Metallurgist for Wyckoff Steel until his retirement in 1988; he then worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield as a Manager until 1995. That same year, Orvan and Wilma moved from Plymouth to their current home in Clare. Orvan’s priorities were very simple; God, Family and Porch Sitting. He was an active member of the Brown Corners United Brethren Church and had enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, wood working and traveling.
Orvan is survived by his wife Wilma; children Larry (Kelly) Tharp of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, David (Karen) Tharp of South Lyon and Daniel (Kelly) Tharp of Peoria, Illinois; a sister Dora Harmon of Melber, Kentucky; grandchildren Amy, Scott, Miles, Shauna, Jessica and D.J. and 13 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 4 to 8 P.M. Visitation will resume at the Brown Corners United Brethren Church on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10 A.M. until the time of service at 11 A.M. led by Pastor Jeremiah Ketchum; a luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be held privately in the Cherry Grove Cemetery in Clare. In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting memorials to the Brown Corners United Brethren Church’s Benevolent Fund (www.browncorners.org/donate) or to MyMichigan Hospice (www.midmichigan.thankyou4caring.org). On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson- wyman.com.