Cecil “Ed” Edward Sharp passed away June 9, 2026. Ed was born June 24, 1950, in Amarillo, TX, to Cecil and Mary (Shelton) Sharp. On Aug. 10, 1973, Ed married tDeborah “Debbie” Candy. Known as “Eddie” in his younger years, Ed attended primary school, junior high, and his first years of high school in Texas. During that time, he played trumpet in a stage band alongside future Eagles frontman Don Henley. He graduated from Wilburton High School in 1968. He went on to earn an associate degree from Eastern Oklahoma State College and continued his education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, where he was active in the university band. During his college years, Ed also showcased his musical talents playing rhythm guitar, bass guitar, and drums in a rock band. Between his college studies, Ed attended the police academy in Oklahoma City and served on the police force in Washington, D.C. After returning to Oklahoma and completing his education, he began a long and dedicated career with Southwestern Bell. Over the next 42 years, he worked his way through the evolving telecommunications industry—from Southwestern Bell to Cingular and AT&T—holding roles as an operator, line worker, line team manager, union representative, and eventually civil engineer. He retired from AT&T in March 2015.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Brenda Watson; and his father and mother-in-law, Ross and Doris Candy.
He is survived by his devoted wife of over 50 years, Debbie Sharp, of the home; his sons and daughters-in-law: Jason and Debby Sharp, and Ryan and Wendy Sharp; his grandchildren: Anna Sharp, Mary “Abby” Bodette and husband Josh, Kaitlynne Sharp, and Matthew Sharp; and his extended family, including Mike and Judy Love, Jo Candy, and Wayne Watson as well numerous nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
Services were held June 16, 2026, at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at the Tecumseh Cemetery, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.
