Keith Donel Tharp (52) of St. Elmo

Keith Donel Tharp, age 52, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at his home in St. Elmo.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo with a two-hour visitation prior to the service. Pastor Tim Caraway will be officiating. Burial will be in Springhill Cemetery, St. Elmo, Illinois. Memorials may go to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here. 

Keith was born on October 7, 1971 in Princeton, Indiana, the son of Floyd and Judith (Wolfe) Tharp. Keith was a beloved family man, known for his warm presence and infectious sense of humor. He had a gift for making others laugh with his jokes and playful teasing, bringing joy to all who knew him. Keith cherished the moments spent with his family, finding joy in their company and creating lasting memories together. His favorite pastimes included playing Pop Star on his iPad and enjoying episodes of The Golden Girls, which brought him much comfort and amusement. Keith’s spirit will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who remember him with fondness and gratitude for the laughter and love he shared. His legacy of joy and warmth will continue to resonate in the hearts of those he touched.

He is survived by his mother, Judith Tharp of St. Elmo; brothers: Kevin (Lea) Tharp of St. Elmo, Denny (Whitney) Tharp of St. Elmo; sister-in-law, Sherri (Jason) Einhorn of St Elmo; nieces and nephews: Calee Lhommedieu of Allen, TX, Fischer Tharp, Peoria, IL; Ashlee Ballinger, Altamont, IL; Ashten Einhorn, Effingham, IL, Kierah Tharp, Herrin, IL; Kaelyn Tharp, Herrin, IL, Ally Howell, Beecher City, IL, Samantha Miller, Olney, IL, Arriel Layne, Effingham, IL, and Arica Rinehart of Flora, IL; and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Tharp; brothers: James Dean Tharp and Devin Tharp; grandparents: Floyd and Laura Tharp and Ross and Ruby Wolfe; nephew: Andrew Tharp; and great nephew: Cole Lhommedieu.