George M. Tharp, 78, of Lakeland Florida, passed away on Sun, Jan. 4, 2026 at the Highland Oaks Nursing Home in McConnelsville.  He was born on April 20, 1947 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Maywood and Charlene Higgins Tharpe.  He worked as a welder for the Pipe Welders and Iron Workers Union in Florida and Ohio.  He is survived by 3 daughters, Kimberly Swauger of Springhill, Fla, Lisa Strosnider of Kissimmee, Fla and Michelle (Kevin) Geisel of Marietta, Oh, 2 sisters, Mary Ann Tharpe-Riskus of Readington Beach, Fla and Gail Tharpe-Lucero of St. Petersburg, Fla, 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 56 years, Karen Myers Tharp and a sister, Cecelia VanSant.  Matheney Funeral Home in McConnelsville is handling a caring cremation for the family.