Ralph Monroe (Monte) Sharpe Jr., of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025, after a brave 5-year battle with cancer, a result of his service during the Vietnam War. Born on December 16, 1944, in Uvalde, Texas, Monte was the son of Ralph Sharpe Sr. and Wanda Cooper.

Monte grew up in Springfield, Missouri, where he attended school and later met the love of his life, Dorothy Francka Sharpe, while attending Southwest Missouri State University. The couple married and shared 56 years together, raising a family of ten children. His family was always his first priority, and his love for them was boundless. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Dorothy, their ten children, 31 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, all of whom he cherished deeply.

Monte was a man of great character and compassion, with a passion for helping others. As an entrepreneur, he and Dorothy founded and operated daycares, where Monte was affectionately known as "Big Monte." He took great pride in the children entrusted to their care, and his love for them was evident in everything he did.

A proud Army veteran, Monte served in Vietnam and was a dedicated member of the Vietnam Veterans Club of Springfield. He volunteered managing the Veterans food bank and played an active role in his community. His dedication extended to his work as a Scout Master, a baseball coach, and a member of the Greentown Volunteer Fire Department. He was also the President of the Early Childhood Education Council and was active in Marriage Encounter and the Greentown V.F.W. Monte and Dorothy were recognized as Foster Parents of the Year in 1998 for their selfless work in fostering many children.

Monte's passing is preceded by his parents, Ralph Sharpe Sr. and Wanda Cooper, his brothers, William R. (BillyBob) Sharpe, and Shawnee Sharpe, and three grandbabies.

His legacy will live on through his family and all those whose lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. His spirit of service and love for others will forever be remembered.

Services

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home in Hartville, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church in North Canton on March 10th, 10:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon at the Greentown Community Park at 9845 Cashner NW, North Canton, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Ohio Western Reserve Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Honor Flight Austin, in care of Frontier Bank, 5600 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756, or a Veterans Charity of your choice.