Mr. Charles E. Harp, 89, of Barbourville, passed away Friday afternoon, May 2, 2025 at his home. He was born June 2, 1935 in Harlan, the son of the late Thomas and Ida Mae Walters Harp.
Charles was a retired press operator from Ford Motor Company where he worked for over 30 years and a member of the First Baptist Church of Barbourville. He was also a member of the UAW and faithfully served his country in the United States Army. Charles enjoyed politics, hunting and loved telling stories of his time in the military. Most of all, he loved time spent with his family.
On September 22, 1963, he united in marriage with Cora Lee Hammons and to this union two children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kimberlynn Renee Harp; sisters, Dorothy Phillips and Marie Paris; brother, Bob Harp; sisters-in-law, Deena and Kathy and a brother-in-law, Eddward Paris.
Survivors include his loving wife of over 61 years, Cora Lee Harp of Barbourville; a son, Steven Ray Harp and wife, Shirlee, of Georgetown, TX; a sister, Beverly Torkelson and husband, Merland, of Sioux Falls, SD; brothers, Norman Harp of Wauseon, OH and Tom Harp of Liberty Center, OH; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service and military funeral honors will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Friday, May 9 at 12 Noon with Rev. Dennis Chesnut and John Bill Prichard officiating. He will be laid to rest in Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Bob Patterson, Freddy Hammons, Tom Harp, Norman Harp, Freddy Hammons Jr. and Harry Mays. Serving as honorary bearers will be Susie Barnett, Knox County Home Health and his UAW friends.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Thursday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Friday prior to the funeral hour.
The family requests that contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association in his memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of CHARLES E. HARP.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
