David M. Sharp, 75, of Monmouth died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg.
Dave was born Dec. 8, 1950, in Monmouth, the only child of Kenneth R. and Margaret (Lucas) Sharp. He graduated from Monmouth High School in 1968 and Monmouth College in 1973 with a degree in English.
Dave worked at Gamble’s, was a substitute teacher, served as a police officer for the City of Monmouth, worked as an EMT for United Ambulance in Monmouth, was an investigator for DCFS, worked at the Illinois Secretary of State driver’s license facility in Monmouth and later as an investigator for the Secretary of State before retiring in 2012. Dave served on the Monmouth City Council for 25 years and was mayor from 1993 to 1997.
He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Monmouth and the Monmouth Lions Club. He enjoyed fast motorsports, cars (especially Firebirds), motorcycles and mowing lawns — his and his neighbors’. He also enjoyed shooting and had a collection of firearms.
Dave’s home and heart were always open to those in need, especially local kids. He became the legal guardian to several kids in need.
Survivors include his “son,” Joel (Christina) Carlston of Casper, Wyoming; foster son, Ronald Stegans of Portland, Oregon; “grandchildren,” Nicole (Adam) Stuve of Clarinda, Iowa, Garrett (Caitlyn) Carlston of Douds, Iowa, and Wyatt (Ayden) Carlston of Ottumwa, Iowa; seven “great-grandchildren”; and dear friends, Mike and Dana Neilson of Monmouth.
He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Interment will be at Monmouth Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Wounded Warriors and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.