from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Thomas Owen Tharps, 82, of Lebanon, Ohio, died Feb. 24, 2014.

Mr. Tharps was born March 20, 1931, in Mason, Tenn., to Douglas and Elizabeth (nee: Lanier) Tharps. He was a United States Army veteran.

Mr. Tharps was a member of the USTA and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and worked as a trainer and driver for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carole (nee: Gray); sons, Eric (Shelli), Terry and Randy; daughters, Toni Green and Tammi Tharps; seven brothers; five sisters; 16 grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Todd and Trent; two brothers; and one sister.

Visitation will be held on Friday (Feb. 28) from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon, with funeral service immediately following, at the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home, Lebanon. Interment follows in Lebanon Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Online condolences available at www.Hoskinsfh.com.