Sharpe worked as a newspaper reporter while he studied at a Kansas City law school.

He had a private law practice in Oacoma, South Dakota, where he also farmed.

From 1937 to 1939, he was chairman of the South Dakota code commission appointed to revise the state's statutes.

During his tenure, he devoted himself to the war effort, promoted education, encouraged tourism and conservation.

[1] Sharpe died in Kennebec and is interred at Graceland Cemetery, Oacoma, Lyman County, South Dakota US.