ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. 

Obituary for: SHARP, F. “DENNIS” 

Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. 

Source: E.J. Fielding  Funeral Home, Covington, La.

Died: Sunday, May 28, 2017

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SHARP, F. “DENNIS” 
February 19, 1953 - May 28, 2017

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Frank "Dennis" Sharp passed away peacefully at home following a courageous and 
brave battle with cancer, on Sunday, May 28, 2017. 

A lifelong resident of Covington, LA, he was born on Thursday, February 19, 1953 
to Kathryn Cooper and Frank William Sharp.

The beloved husband of Lisa Skelton Sharp, he is survived by his mother; two 
daughters - Whitney Sharp Dorman and Lainey Rebecca Sharp; two step children - W. 
Alan Jobe, Jr. (Kathryn) and Whitney Adelle Mahl; and one grandson - John William 
Dorman. His father preceded him in death.

Dennis was more than a son, father, and husband; he was a loyal friend, dedicated 
lifelong public Educator & Principal, Educational Supervisor, Councilman, farmer, 
musician, BBQ master, poet, and songwriter, but his greatest passion was for 
public service. 

Growing up and living his entire life in the rural community of Lee Road, located 
in the northern end of Covington, the farm-life childhood Dennis experienced 
taught him the importance of family, a love for the land and animals, and the 
value of hard honest work. 
Often thought of as a quiet and humble man, he never sought acclaim, praise or to 
be the center of attention. When he spoke, however, his words carried importance 
and value and respect for others. 
Dennis was first to volunteer to help others with various projects even at his 
own cost; being one of the most unselfish men you could ever meet. 
A talent for singing gospel music and playing bass guitar started very young in 
the church. He later played and sang for several Classic Rock bands, most 
recently with Gypsy River. Many may not have known that he was a prolific writer 
of poetry and song lyrics, often writing by request for special family events. 
Using his knowledge of music and appreciation for theater, he served on the 
Advisory Board for The Columbia Theatre, owned by Southeastern Louisiana 
University. 
Dennis crafted a huge BBQ pit from a former gas tank, cooking meals for 300+ 
people without difficulty. As testament to his sense of community service, he and 
his wife catered for local charities, declining to keep any funds for the labor. 
Of special attention was the Youth Service Bureau in Covington and New Heights 
Therapy Center in Folsom. 
Having received his Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Agri-Science Education from 
LSU, he quickly advanced his education to a Masters in Education from SLU in 
1978. He later returned to LSU for his Education Specialist Certification. 
He began his career with the St. Tammany Parish School system as a teacher at Lee 
Road Jr. High and sponsor of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), later becoming 
Principal for several years before advancing to a Supervisor of Secondary 
Instruction. While a Supervisor, he also served as School Board Parliamentarian. 

After 33 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2009. Yearning to work with 
the public again, he ran for public office, being elected in 2011 as a Parish 
Councilman for St. Tammany District 2. He was re-elected in 2015 for a second 
term. 
While Councilman, he served on several boards and committees including the 911 
Board. Dennis took his commitment to serve seriously, often spending hours a day 
visiting his residential and commercial constituents to solve problems and 
present new ideas while protecting the integrity of the area he so loved. A 
project especially close to his heart had been the renovations and enlargement of 
the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds in Covington. Just a couple weeks ago he 
commented that his one regret was to not see that project to completion. 
As a child, he raised cattle and hogs, eagerly competing in shows. As an adult, 
Dennis wanted to help provide a wonderful facility for our youth to continue the 
traditions set by generations past. He whole-heartedly supported the St. Tammany 
Parish Jr. Livestock Association, and looked forward to opportunities to work 
with some of the students especially in the area of public speaking. He was a 
unique man . . . he will be greatly missed, and never duplicated.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services at 11:00 AM on 
Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Fitzgerald United Methodist Church, 80007 Fitzgerald 
Church Rd. Covington, LA 70435.

A wake is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 from 6-9:00 PM at 
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home with visitation at the church on Thursday beginning at 
10:00 AM.

Interment at the J.M. Fussell Cemetery in Covington will immediately follow 
services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Tammany Parish Jr. Livestock 
Association at P. O. Box 1492, Covington, LA 70434, or call 985-966-9514

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