TRAVERSE CITY — Warren D. Sharp, 72, of Traverse City, died Monday afternoon, March 19, 2012, at his home following a sudden illness. He was born Nov. 4, 1939, in Jackson, to loving parents, Warren and Maxine (Young) Sharp.At an early age his prowess as an athlete became apparent as he excelled in the sports of baseball, wrestling and tennis. His love of his country was expressed in his service as a sharpshooter in the U.S. Marine Corps.After graduating from the University of Michigan and its business school he became an executive in the financial services industry in the state of Connecticut. Upon his retirement in1990 he moved to Traverse City, where he had vacationed as a child with his brother and parents. It was here that he was able to satisfy his love of nature and the out-of-doors, from sailing to hunting, fly fishing, cross country skiing, mountain biking and kayaking.He was a kind and gracious gentleman much loved by many friends and associates.But, nowhere was his generous and loving nature more freely expressed than in his caring devotion to his family, which includes his wife of 40 years, Patricia; his son, Michael K. (Melissa) Sharp; his daughter, Connie Mosher; granddaughters, Carly (Hiram) Witkop and Kelly Mosher; grandsons, Michael D. Sharp and Steven M. Sharp; and a great-grandson, Dayton Mosher. He also leaves his brother, Michael J. (Karen) Sharp; nephews, Adrien (Angie) Sharp and Valan Sharp; very special cousins, David (Meri) Stevens, Dennis (Nancy) Stevens, Terry (Ronny) Lane and Diane Katz. Memorial services will be held at Central United Methodist Church on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dale Ostema officiating. Cremation has taken place.In remembrance of Warren and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to charity of one's choice.Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.