Stephen E. "Gene" Sharp

Stephen E. "Gene" Sharp, 92, of Waterloo, IL, died November 9, 2025, in Waterloo, IL. He was born July 16, 1933, in Edinburg, IL.

He is survived by his wife Linda Sharp; daughter Jill (David) Roth; stepdaughters Brandi (Ben) Langsdorf and Amy (Scott) Lowrey; grandchildren Katie Lytle, Jacob Elliot, and Logan (Raven) Elliot; great grandchild Salem Elliot; step grandchildren Kate Langsdorf, Isla Langsdorf, Ned Langsdorf, and Anna Lowrey, brother Joseph (Karla) Sharp; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

Stephen is preceded in death by his daughter Brenda Elliot; son Stephen E. Sharp Jr.; parents John and Ludora (nee Brown) Sharp; sister and brother Jonel (Jim) Harmon and Doug Sharp.

Stephen (Gene) began his 49 year mining career working as a laborer for Peabody Coal Company in 1952 and then was drafted into the army and sent to South Korea for two years. He resumed his mining career and progressed through various positions from foreman to director of operations. For Peabody he worked in mines in central Illinois, southern Illinois and Indiana. Stephen then went to work for Arch Mineral Corporation. He worked in the Arch mines in southern Illinois, Virginia and Southeast Kentucky. His most memorable position was as mine manager and later president of the Kathleen mine which was an underground mine for Arch Mineral Corporation.

He enjoyed working at the mines and the many men that he worked with over the years.He enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife Linda to whom he was married 34 years and their two cats Bill and Bert.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to:
Masses or Boys Town

Visitation:
4 PM to 8 PM Friday, November 14, 2025 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL8 AM to 9:15 AM Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL

Funeral Mass:
10 AM Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Valmeyer, IL
Father Longenus Odum, C.M. officiating
Interment will follow at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery in Waterloo, IL