Joseph P. Scharping

SCHARPING, Mr. Joseph P. ?Joe? Kalamazoo Joe Scharping passed away early Sunday morning, September 23, 2007, in Kalamazoo. He was born July 26, 1923, in Scotts, MI, a son of Fred and Mary Scharping and had been a life long area resident. Joe graduated from Scotts High School and entered the US Army where he served throughout the European Theater before being discharged in 1945. In 1955, he began his career as a firefighter with the Kalamazoo Fire Department, attaining the rank of Captain before his retirement in the early 1980?s. Joe was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Comstock VFW Post 6252 and the United Retired Government Employees. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marian Mishall and Mildred Bigham-Burchard. On March 21, 1952, Joe was united in marriage to the former Katherine E. Guylas, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Michael A. Morrison and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Funeral services will be held 10:00 Thursday morning at Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd., with Pastor Timothy Seeber and Pastor Louis Grother, officiating. Burial in Fort Custer National Cemetery will follow services. Memorial contributions in Joe?s memory may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, Building Fund or the Lutheran Braille Society.