It is with immense sorrow that the family of Rod Leroy Sharpe announce his passing on January 30th, 2025 at the age of 62. He was at home in Clifton, CO surrounded by his beloved wife and children when escorted home by angels.
Rod was born on July 28, 1962 in Los Angeles, CA to Raymond and Linda. He spent his childhood in Long Beach, CA where he spent the majority of his time around water, in particularly a love of boating and fishing. Family trips to Big Bear, Palm Springs, Catalina Island, and the Colorado River were some of his fondest memories.
When Rod met the love of his life, Lorraine, on December 16, 1987, it was the beginning of a love story that was better than any fairytale. After a brief 3 month courtship they got engaged and then were married January 16, 1988. Celebrating their 37th anniversary just two weeks before his passing, Rod’s love and devotion for Lorraine was immeasurable — a love that grew stronger with each passing day. Their marriage was a testament to the deep connection between two hearts, inspiring all who knew them and showing what it truly means to stand by someone through every joy and challenge.
In 1999, he moved his family to Clifton, CO. Rod valued integrity, honesty and kindness above all. He worked for the Mesa County Sheriffs Department in the Criminal Justice Services Department (CJSD) as a Corrections Officer. He was proud to work in law enforcement and true to his spirit, he liked being somewhere he could make an impact. Rod was a devoted patriot with an immense love of God and country. He always flew the American flag high at his home and had Old Glory and an American Eagle proudly tattooed on his arm.
Rod and Lorraine have four children: Kalie, Kristopher, Kraemer, and Keaton. He was the heart of the family — a steady presence, a gentle protector, consistent supporter, and guiding them by always leading by example with wisdom, humor, and an unwavering moral compass. His quiet strength and warmth had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and cared for. His heart proceeded him wherever he went — There were no strangers in his world, just friends he hadn’t met yet. One of Rod’s greatest joys was cooking for others. He didn’t just prepare meals; he created moments of connection, of laughter, and of love. Other hobbies included traveling, being an Avalanche hockey fanatic, a lover of dogs, a vodka connoisseur, avid watcher of the History Channel and old westerns, and was a junk food junkie.
The last four years truly showcased the strength of his character. Despite facing overwhelming odds, including a stage 4 cancer diagnosis (Spindle Cell Sarcoma) while recovering from an accident that left him an incomplete quadriplegic, Rod’s love, selflessness, and positivity never wavered. He faced every challenge with grace, never complaining or faltering.
His departure has left an irreplaceable void in our lives, and there are no words that can truly capture the weight of this passing. Our hearts ache with the loss of the man who was truly the best of us.
Rod is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his daughter, Kalie (Reed), and her husband Daniel (Reed); his son, Kristopher, and his girlfriend Taylor (Breske); his son Kraemer, and his wife Marah; his Son Keaton; his granddaughter Kensington (Reed); as well as his mother, Linda (Schmeling) and sister Loni (Kemp). He is proceeded in death by his father, Raymond Clifton Sharpe III; and his brother, Rand E Sharpe.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 12pm on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, at the Sharpe family home: 644 34 Road, Clifton, CO 81520. All who knew and loved Rod are welcome to join in remembering this truly remarkable man. Casual attire.
Visits: 645
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors