Kenneth Charles Thorpe

Kenneth C. Thorpe, of Rolla, MO, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the age of 87.

He was born on October 14, 1937 to the late Dorsey and Margaret Thorpe.

Kenneth (Whitey) has several jobs growing up in the Rolla, MO area. He was fond of working for Callen's Grocery as a young man. They were always good to him. He later worked at the Corvette plant in St. Louis, MO-even though he as always been a Ford man through and through. He worked with his father on a road construction crew for a while as well. Then he became a Rolla, MO police officer for 11 years. He reached the rank of Lieutenant prior to quitting to become an MFA (shelter) Insurance Claims Adjuster. Here he stayed for 29 years until he retired. Some will remember he was the co-owner of Chub & Joe's Restaurant for approximately 10-11 years during his claims adjuster career. Kenny was a well-liked and respected man in the community. He made friends all over the state of Missouri and beyond. You could hardly go anywhere without someone knowing who he was.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Susan; one brother, Oren; and his uncle, Doyal Thorpe, all of Rolla, MO; as well as his daughter, Elizabeth McNamara of Colorado.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Julie Thorpe; his son and daughter-in-law, Ron (Ronnie) and Tammy Thorpe of Union, MO; sister-in-law, Lou Ella Trainer of Affton, MO; grandchildren, Charlynn Walls-Gray and family of St. James, MO, Charles Walls and family of Independence, MO, Jordan Thorpe of Washington, MO; Ethan and Riley Thorpe of Newburg, MO; many cousins and extended family. Sorry if we mistakenly left anyone out that we should not have. He will be missed greatly. He was a good husband, father and friend. We love you Kenneth, Dad, Papa and Friend!

A graveside service for Kenneth C. Thorpe will be conducted at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at the Rolla City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Greentree Christian Church – Night to Shine.