With profound sadness, we share the unexpected passing of Sharon Kay Tacker on June 5, 2025, at the age of 63 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Born on June 29, 1962, in Abilene, Texas, to Hortencia Marin and Clifford David Tacker, Sharon was a devoted and loving dog mom, a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend. She brought warmth, kindness, and an unmistakable light into the lives of all who knew her.

Sharon was the proud eldest sibling to three sisters and a brother, a role she took very seriously. She held the distinct honor of simultaneously terrorizing and protecting her younger siblings—a skill only the eldest could truly master. Whether it was keeping us in line or standing up for us when it mattered most, Sharon always made sure her presence was felt (whether we wanted it or not). She was the kind of big sister everyone hopes for, strong, loving, forgiving, and absolutely unforgettable.

Sharon had the incredible opportunity to travel the world, exploring places near and far. From Germany to Spain, the Netherlands to Italy, and Greece, she embraced each destination with curiosity and enthusiasm. Her experiences abroad enriched her life and left her with cherished stories, unforgettable sights, and enough unforgettable moments to fill a lifetime.

Sharon devoted 28 years, 2 months, and 19 days to civil service with the Department of the Air Force, building a career defined by dedication, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Throughout her time at the medical schoolhouse and with ENJJPT, she played a vital role in supporting service members, though she somehow managed to balance that responsibility with a thriving career in workplace mischief. Whether playfully pranking the most intimidating figures in the office or strolling the halls, snapping selfies with everyone she encountered, Sharon ensured that work was never too serious to be filled with laughter. Her rare ability to blend professionalism with pure joy left a lasting impression on colleagues, turning coworkers into lifelong friends.

For the young airmen arriving far from home, Sharon was more than a mentor, she was a source of comfort, a little piece of home in an unfamiliar place. She never let a birthday pass without a balloon, cupcake, or an entire cake, ensuring that no special occasion went unnoticed. Her love for celebration extended beyond birthdays, the office was a wonderland of decorations, transforming from floor to ceiling for every holiday. Sharon made the workplace feel less like an office and more like a second home, welcoming everyone with open arms, laughter, and an unwavering generosity. She never met a stranger, always eager to lend a hand, share a smile, and brighten someone’s day. Her presence made life lighter, happier, and filled with joy.

Sharon was a devoted animal advocate with an especially soft spot for dogs. She fostered countless pups, though ‘failed fosters’ became a regular occurrence, she simply couldn’t bear to part with those who had been terribly mistreated. Her love knew no bounds, and she quickly earned the title of an exceptional dog mom. If Sharon spotted a stray, she didn’t hesitate to stop her car and rescue them, no matter the circumstances. Her generosity extended beyond her own efforts, she was a master fundraiser, launching GoFundMe pages and convincing everyone she knew to chip in "just $5" for the cause. I often teased her for spending her days nickeling and diming her family, but she somehow managed to "$5" the entire office, too!

All jokes aside, Sharon treated her dogs with endless love and compassion, making sure they were never without comfort or care. Her passion for ensuring animals weren’t mistreated defined much of her life, and her ability to spoil every dog she met made her the most sought-after pet sitter for those heading out of town. It was often said that in their next lifetime, people hoped to come back as one of Sharon’s dogs, a true testament to just how cherished and adored her furry companions were.

Sharon was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan through and through. Her loyalty never wavered, win or lose, she proudly stood by her team. She transformed her office into a shrine of Cowboys memorabilia, leaving no doubt about where her allegiance lay. No matter the occasion, she carried her beloved Dallas Cowboys bag around, making sure it appeared in every photo, as if it were an extension of herself. She made certain that everyone around her knew exactly where her football heart belonged, and if there was ever any doubt, one conversation with Sharon would settle it, she was a Cowboys fan for life.

She was truly one of a kind—a rare gem whose presence could light up any room. She had a way of making people feel at home, whether through her laughter, generosity, or unwavering devotion to those she loved. She embraced life with a fearless spirit, a playful heart, and a kindness that knew no bounds. To know her was to know someone extraordinary, and her impact will be felt for years to come.

Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved father, Clifford David Tacker; maternal grandparents, Charlie & Elfida Marin; paternal grandparents, George Alfred & Ruby Agatha (DeSpain) Tacker; her cherished nephew, Zachery William Jewell; and six treasured furbabies, Grumpy, Sister, Elvis, BoBo, Peanut, and Olivia, who were undoubtedly waiting to welcome her with wagging tails and endless love.

Sharon is lovingly survived by her cherished furbabies, Rambo, Rosie, and Lil Bo. She leaves behind her devoted mother, Hortencia Tacker, and her beloved siblings, Yvonne Tacker, David Tacker, Ann Rodriguez, and Sandra Tacker, all of Independence, Missouri. She also leaves a special legacy in the hearts of her treasured nieces and nephews: Anthony Tacker, Jered Wilson, Jazmin Slay, Bianca Barnes, Reggie Washington, Ashlie Delatorre, Jake, Krista, and Joey Tacker; Nikki Leal; Alek, BriAnne, Christopher, Harley, and Izzy Jewell; Jesse and Niko Medina; Xavier, Daniel, and Barbara Rodriguez; and Brittany Key.

Sharon is also survived by her adored great-nephews and great-nieces, who brought endless joy to her life: Journey, Cash, and Milli Tacker; Jayda, Shonari, and Mya Slay; Antonio, Elijah, and Adonis Barnes; Ethan, Bella, and Elijah Delatorre; Tatum and Jake Jr. Tacker; Bear Tacker; Alice Link; Davina, Santana, and Mila Leal; Jackson, Beckett, and Georgia Jewell; Wyatt Stamper; and Bella Key.

Sharon is also survived by a warm and devoted extended family, including numerous aunts and uncles, an extraordinary number of cousins, and countless cherished friends who became family in her heart.

She was blessed with an incredible circle of best friends who were more like family, loyal, loving, and always by her side. She shared countless adventures, laughter, and memories with them, and their bond was one of a kind. Her best friends, Trena, Andrea, Linda, and Kathy stood by her through every moment, and their love for her will carry on forever.

Sharon’s ENJJPT family meant the world to her. She wasn’t just a colleague, she was a mentor, a friend, and the heart of the office. Whether she was cracking jokes, playfully ambushing coworkers with Nerf darts, sharing a good-natured scare, lifting spirits, or making sure every birthday was celebrated, she infused the workplace with joy and warmth. Her ENJJPT family will forever hold onto the laughter, the friendships, and the lasting impact she made each and every day.

Sharon’s absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She was the light in every room, the laughter in every moment, and the kindness in every gesture. Her family, friends, and countless others whose lives she touched will forever cherish the love, joy, and warmth she brought into their lives. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit, her generosity, and her unwavering love will live on in the memories we hold dear. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Sharon’s memory with a donation to one of her favorite nonprofit charities: PETS Underground Express, Texas Pit Crew, or Miss Fanny. Your kindness and generosity will continue the work she cared so deeply about.