Leron Thorp

Leron Thorp, 92, passed away at 1:15pm on Sunday, April 27, 2014, at VIP Manor in Wood River. He was born on November 3, 1921, in Hickman County, Kentucky the son of the late George and Alma (Hayden) Thorp. He married the former Jean L. Langham on April 22, 1945, in Camp Crowder, Missouri and she preceded him in death on February 10, 1960. Survivors include two sons and daughters in law: Thomas and Terri Thorp of East Alton, Ron and Cheryl Thorp of East Alton, six grandchildren and their spouses: Kim and Denny Sheraka of Wood River, Jeff Thorp of Wood River, Jamie and Brandon Burge of Glen Carbon, Ronald and Dee Thorp of Fosterburg, Todd and Michelle Thorp of Wood River, Nebraska, Casey and Cory Newgent of Bethalto, ten great grandchildren: Jordan, Madisyn, Audrey, Hank, Charlie, Dayne, Lauren, Jacob, Wyatt, Dalton, an expectant great grandchild, and his longtime companion: Rita Cosner. He graduated from Shurtleff College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Business. He retired from Thorp’s Barber Shop in Wood River after being a barber for over 52 years. He served as a surgical technician in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wood River. He was a member of the American Legion Post #794, Wood River VFW Post #2859, Wood River Moose Lodge #1349. He loved traveling and being a barber. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by one brother: John Theron Thorp, and a grandson and his wife: Chad and Nicole Thorp. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, May 1, 2014, at the funeral home. Rev. Mike Southcombe will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto with full military rites by the East Alton American Legion #794 Ritual Team. Memorials are suggested to BJC Hospice or to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Wood River.