Christopher “Chris” Newell Sharkey

Christopher “Chris” Newell Sharkey, of Cheyenne, Wyoming has been excused from the dinner table of life. He is now free to go and play with his friends for eternity.

After kicking cancer’s butt for the last dozen or so years, Chris decided to be magnanimous and let cancer take a win.

He was born in Los Angeles on September 17, 1943, to Miles and Cristine (Worrall) Sharkey. He was the middle child of seven (and you know what they say about the “middle child”). He did a tour in Vietnam and enjoyed it so much he went back for seconds. After flying more than 500 missions and earning 27 air medals he eventually moved on from the Marines (but always kept that personable Marine Corps charm). He was an entrepreneur at heart, always looking for an opportunity to involve his business acumen. A short sample of some of the industries he dipped his toes into: candy distribution, carpet cleaning, window coverings, liquor store owner and blackjack dealer.

 He was also a dad. A tough dad at times. Ok, most of the time. But as he aged, he softened up just enough to let his six children (from his first marriage to Pamela Grady) and his 13 grandchildren know that he loved them and was proud of them. They, in turn, loved him very much and appreciated all his life lessons even if they took a while to understand them.

 Aside from his children and grandchildren, Chris dearly loved his wife, Jane, their dogs, every episode of “Dateline,” and strong margaritas. Chris would light up at any opportunity to tell a story. If it was one of his countless jokes, or making incredibly inappropriate observations about strangers, he relished his ability to inspire a laugh, and he could hold the attention of just about anyone for the length of a story (some of which were actually true).

 A certified Roman Catholic, Chris would always end his dinner prayer by pounding the table and proclaiming “God Bless Everyone! No Exceptions!” He always looked forward to heading to a better place when the time was right, and followed the “Good Lord’s plan”.  

His faith brough him to a place where generosity of time and spirit were at the forefront of his mind. He traveled on missions all over the world. From South America to India and all stops in between he looked for and found opportunities to serve the underserved. He understood that “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much required.”

 Chris was survived by his second wife, Jane Noble Sharkey, of more than 21 years. Chris has requested his pallbearers be six members of the Green Bay Packers football team, just so the Packers can let him down one final time.

Funeral liturgy was held at 10 a.m., Monday, November 20, 2023, in Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. Burial and military rites followed at the Cheyenne National Cemetery.

We love him and will miss him every day. No exceptions!

 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.