Dwayne Edwin Tharp, 66, of Washington, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at his home.

He was born April 5, 1960 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Terry and Cora Beth Tharp.  He married Rita M. Thompson in Pekin, Illinois on March 4, 2011.  She survives.

Also surviving are four children, Alayna Tharp of Missouri, Dylan Tharp of Missouri; Matthew (Angela) te-Nuyl, Marshall (Betsabe) te-Nuyl; four grandchildren, Jocelyn, Sawyer, Leah, and Bastian te-Nuyl; two brothers, Darren (Jody) Tharp of Missouri, Darryl (Milissa) Tharp of Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Dwayne received his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla and began working at Caterpillar Inc in 1989.  During his tenure at Caterpillar, he played a role in obtaining 3 patents (#5488340, 5752308, 6156193).  After retiring he worked at Kroger in Washington as a Certified Pharmacy Technician until his passing.

He enjoyed traveling with his family and had a passion for collecting fossils and minerals.  He also enjoyed wood carving and was a guest wood carver at Silver Dollar City.  He was a devoted grandpa, who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Dwayne will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 pm Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  His funeral service will follow at 4 pm Saturday at the funeral home.  Per his wishes, cremation will be accorded following the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.