Edward James Sharkness, 79, passed away peacefully with family by his side on the 27th of May, 2022, in Red Oak, IA. Ed was born in Camden, NY on the 26th of April, 1943, and was raised in Kingston, PA along with his 5 siblings. An avid athlete, he excelled at wrestling in high school and college. In 1965, he graduated from West Point Military Academy. He served in Germany, Vietnam, and Italy and was eventually stationed in the Midwest. Married in 1970, Ed raised his 3 children in Bettendorf, Iowa. He retired from the Army in 1986, divorced in 1987, and enjoyed a long retirement staying active in the community. He volunteered for the local Master Gardener program and spent his days walking and biking through town, visiting family, and rock climbing at nearby Mississippi Palisades State Park. He moved to Red Oak, IA in 2019 to be near his daughter. Ed is preceded in death by his older brother Joseph Sharkness and his parents, William and Genevieve Sharkness. He is survived by his 4 younger siblings, William Sharkness, James Sharkness, Catherine Sharkness, and John Sharkness; his children, Kevin Sharkness, Eric Sharkness, Vivian Ogden; and his 6 grandchildren. Ed enjoyed cracking jokes and was known for his kindness, quick smile, long walks, and fondness for ice cream. He cultivated in his children a love of the outdoors, athletics, and family. "Do good." "Have fun." Graveside funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Meals On Wheels Program. Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.