Carson Hildreth Sharp

Carson Hildreth Sharp, age 88, passed away June 26, 2025 in Delta, Utah after a long life as a skilled and accomplished musician and prolific teacher. Born March 16, 1937 in Jackson, Michigan the fifth of 7 children born to Clifford Carson and Flossie Fisher Sharp. He grew up in the small town of Michigan Center, Michigan, and as a young teenager, got involved playing music in his school band. He started by playing the trumpet, but his music teacher judged he would never excel at music because he didn’t have the necessary flexibility and speed in his fingers. Undeterred, Carson switched to the trombone... setting a path of success and influence for the rest of his life.

He attended Michigan Center High School where he played football and excelled in band class. He was invited to participate in the National Music Camp held in Interlochen, Michigan every year of high school. After graduating he enlisted in the US Navy in 1955. After boot camp, he was sent to the Naval School of Music in Annapolis, Maryland. Not long after arriving, the Navy had some complications in bringing in a new instructor stationed in Japan, and asked Carson to fill in as a temporary music instructor. The Navy was so impressed with his ability to get other students to advance so quickly, the increased his rank and made his position permanent. Carson served four years as a Naval Music Instructor until being honorable discharged.

During his time in Maryland, he encountered LDS missionaries and the Book of Mormon. He gained a strong testimony of the gospel and was baptized. He met and married Loretta Randall in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Utah to attend BYU, where because of his experience, he was made an adjunct professor as a freshman. They had a daughter, Cheryl, together; but later divorced. Carson continued working in Utah, playing professionally and teaching at BYU, University of Utah, Weber State, and private lessons.

In 1963, he was hired as a band teacher in Delta, Utah. While there he met and fell for Julia May Bogh. They married on December 18, 1965 in Delta, and were sealed in the Manti LDS Temple exactly 5 years later. After their marriage, they moved to Southern California were Carson worked as a professional musician throughout the area. In 1967, Carson was accepted as a member of the Utah Symphony Orchestra and moved his family back to Utah. Carson and Julia had three sons together. To support his family, he continued to instruct at Utah universities and in 1971 set up a music studio in Bountiful to teach many private students.

By the mid-80's, Carson felt his children would be better served by growing up in a small town. He returned to Weber State, this time to earn a degree. He received a Bachelors degree and teaching certificate in 1985, and was soon hired by White Horse High School in Montezuma Creek, Utah. In order to support in the care of his father-in-law, he moved back to Delta in 1994, and began taking part in the beginning stages what would become the Tuacahn project. He retired professionally in 2003.

Carson had strong mind for insight into how everything works. It was this ability that made him such an outstanding teacher. He recognized how the muscles of the lips and the way to breath and body position effect the sound of an instrument. One of the leading Jazz musicians in the world spent time as Carson’s student, and credited him as a leading influence on his ability. Carson also had a love of history, and read countless books to appreciate how the interactions of people over generations created the world of today. However, what Carson valued above everything, was his family and the gospel. He leaves behind a strong influence on many lives and will be deeply missed.

Carson is survived by his wife: Julia, Delta; daughter: Cheryl Lee, Tucson, Arizona; sons: Alan (Jenny) Sharp, Santaquin; Clifford (Sarah) Sharp, Morgan; Douglas (Michelle) Sharp, Orem; brother: Terry (Judy) Sharp, Ocala, Florida; 20 grandchildren.

Funeral: Monday, July 7, 12:00 noon, at Delta LDS Stake Center, 125 White Sage Ave. Viewing: 10:30-11:40 am, prior to service. Those unable to attend are invited to view the recorded video of the service. Link will be posted with his obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com following the funeral. Burial with military rites will follow at Delta City Cemetery.