July 9, 1920-Nov. 19, 2006
Funeral services have been held for Eugene “Gene” Thorp, 86, of Valliant, McCurtain County, Okla., who died Nov. 19, 2006 at his home in Valliant, Okla.
He was born July 9, 1920 in Wright City, Okla., the son of Benjamin Franklin Thorp and Nannie Othelia (McLaughlin) Thorp. He lived most of his life in the McCurtain County area.
He married his wife of 61 years, Irma Adams, on June 5, 1943. She preceded him in death on Aug. 17, 2004.
The Thorps lived in the Sweet Home and Lebanon area during the 1940s and made frequent trips back to this area to visit family and friends.
Mr. Thorp was in the U.S. Army Airborne and served as a paratrooper and medic. He was a member of the American Legion Post 74. He worked on the Alaskan Pipeline, and was of the Pentecostal faith.
In 1964 he was elected as Sheriff of McCurtain County after serving several years as the undersheriff. He then served as chief of police in Valliant for nine years before retiring.
He enjoyed raising cattle, raising game roosters, and fishing. But most of all he loved and enjoyed his family.
He is survived by one daughter, Sharon Thorp of Valliant; four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; four brothers, Jimmy, Alford, Dock, and Jack Thorp, and one sister, Mary Thorp Barners.
Funeral Services were held at the Assembly of God Church in Valliant on Nov. 22. Rev. Scott Stuart and Rev. Don Batchelor officiated. Burial followed in the Valliant Cemetary in Valliant under the direction of Miller and Miller Funeral Home of Valliant.