Cecil "Ed" Edward Sharp

Cecil “Ed” Edward Sharp, 75, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away June 9, 2026, in Midwest City, Oklahoma.

Ed was born June 24, 1950, in Amarillo, Texas, to Cecil and Mary (Shelton) Sharp. He spent his early years growing up in Texas and southeastern Oklahoma, shaping the strong work ethic, love for music, and devotion to family that would define his life.

On August 10, 1973, Ed married the love of his life, Deborah “Debbie” Candy. Together, they built a life filled with faith, music, and unwavering dedication to their family, making homes in Durant, Wilburton, and Shawnee, Oklahoma.

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. After moving to Wilburton, Oklahoma, he continued his passion for music in the school band, graduating 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. It was at Southeastern where he met Debbie, beginning a lifelong partnership.

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’s faith was an important part of his life. Baptized at a young age in a river in Texas, he remained devoted throughout his life as an active member of Baptist and Methodist congregations across Texas and Oklahoma. He and Debbie shared their love of music by singing together in church choirs in Durant, Wilburton, Bethel, and Shawnee.

Family was at the center of everything Ed did. As a father, he devoted countless hours to coaching his sons’ baseball, basketball, and football teams. He and Debbie also prioritized creating lasting memories, taking their family on spring break and summer trips across the country and even to Europe. They never missed an opportunity to support their boys, faithfully attending concerts, athletic events, and performances throughout their school years.

That devotion only grew with the arrival of grandchildren. In retirement, Ed and Debbie could be found traveling across the state to attend their grandchildren’s games, concerts, and activities. If their grandchildren were participating, Ed and Debbie were there—front and center. Ed even came out of coaching retirement to help coach two of his granddaughters’ basketball teams, continuing his legacy of encouragement and involvement.

In addition to his love of family and music, Ed was an avid antique collector. Together, he and Debbie built collections of antique telephones and cookie jars that filled their home with character and cherished memories.

Ed was also a loyal sports fan. He supported the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Dallas Cowboys, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Oklahoma. However, his greatest loyalty was always to his children and grandchildren, proudly wearing gear representing the Bethel Wildcats, Dale Pirates, McLoud Redskins, and East Central University Tigers.

When not at a game or with family, Ed and Debbie could sometimes be found enjoying time together at one of the casinos near Shawnee.

Ed will be remembered for his steadfast love for his family, his lifelong passion for music, his sense of humor, and his unwavering presence in the lives of those he loved. His legacy lives on in the countless memories he created and the lives he touched.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Mary Sharp; 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 beloved 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.

There will be no formal visitation as the family has requested that Ed’s casket remain closed.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday June 16, 2026, at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Tecumseh Cemetery, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.