Successful entrepreneur Donald John Tharp, 79, of Indianapolis, IN passed away October 22, 2025 at Community North Hospital. Through sheer determination, he continued to grow his business during a year of health issues. Don was born in Greencastle, IN January 5, 1946 to John Donald Tharp and Bessie E. Reynolds. Don graduated from Greencastle High School and attended Indiana Business College.

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Don and Marsha met in the 60’s and got married in 1965 Don and Marsha and had their first child Ronald “Shane” Tharp.

In 1974 Don and his wife Marsha purchased a Dairy Queen Braizer on 38th Street & Post Road which they operated for 25 years, while Don began purchasing parcels of land for future developments. He had a niche for finding property that was undesirable to most developers and national clients, yet he was always up for a challenge and would say, “If it can’t be done, you’re right, YOU can’t do it”. Don would purchase property and hold it for decades just because he knew that one day he would be able to develop it when the time was right. He was a very courageous and never afraid to take risks. Which is why he became so successful.

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President and Founder of Tharp Investments Inc. and Tharp Realty Group; Don grew his business from a single commercial property to 2 million square feet over the past 45 years.

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Don was a very determined, honest, man with an outgoing personality. He was a wealth of knowledge and enjoyed mentoring those he connected with through memorable relationships.

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Do you wonder what sparked his love of sales? It was selling “World’s Finest Chocolate” as a teenager. Don was one of the most successful salesmen in the state of IN. Selling around $50-75k sales of chocolate per month to schools, churches, and local businesses.

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Don owned and operated two Rally’s Franchises and has the number #1 location in the state of Indiana.

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Don was an avid golfer who played and traveled worldwide with friends for competitions and outings.

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Don was proud to be recognized as a preferred developer for CVS Pharmacy, Jiffy Lube, Advance Auto, Burger King, CSL Plasma, Checker’s / Rally’s, Dollar Tree / Family Dollar, and Starbucks.

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Don’s love of cars started as a teen and continued with his current collection of award-winning Nash Healey’s and Chevrolet Corvettes. Don loved restoring cars with his friends and attending car shows. In fact, cars were Don’s passion.

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He is survived by his children and grandchildren

Ronald Shane Tharp (son)

Shannon Lee Tharp (daughter)

Lillian “Lilli” Lee Tharp (granddaughter)

Skylar Shae Tharp (granddaughter)

Work Family: Elaine Farhood, Janet “JC” Case, William “Billy” Niemier, Matthew “Matty” Tews and special companion friends Judy J. Swift and Lisa McIntosh

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He is predeceased by his wife Marsha Jo “Douglas” Tharp and parents John Donald Tharp and Bessie E. Reynolds Tharp.

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Memorial and Ceremony Service Information: Oaklawn Memorial Gardens 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Visitation will start at 1:00pm-3:00pm, Funeral Service starting at 3:00pm, Dinner and Cocktails after the service 4:30pm

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In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hemophilia of Indiana 6910 N. Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220.

Hemophilia of Indiana Website: https://hoii.org

 

With love from Lilli,

My favorite memories were accompanying my grandpa to car shows, golf outings, work events, Pacer Games and Colts Games. I loved spending time riding around in the car with my grandpa listening to him work a deal, learning about where he hung out in his younger days and the properties, he developed all over the state of Indiana. He would always take the long way back home and backroads everywhere we went or in his words the “scenic route”. We would always finish our adventure by stopping at an ice cream stand, bakery, farmstand or nursery for plants and produce. I will truly miss our lunch and dinner dates, late night conversations, his words of wisdom, and wealth of knowledge which has helped shaped the woman I am today. Xoxo I love you Grandpa