Lester Hiram Thorp

Lester was born December 5, 1929, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The family moved to Benavides, then later to Sinton, Texas, where he graduated from high school. He was an outstanding athlete in all sports, having played on the basketball team that made it to the state finals in 1947. Lester’s real love and talent was in football. Hopes of playing college ball was sidelined by a serious knee injury so he joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served until September 1952, where he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He was sent to Korea and was a part of the battle that took place at the Chosin Reservoir. Temperatures in this battle dropped to below -40 degrees. Out of this combat Lester was awarded a Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

Lester came back to Texas to work the rest of his life in the oil and gas fields. He was a dedicated and talented worker, taking on most any problem that might arise. Some who worked with him said Lester was the strongest man they had ever met. He also had an amazing giving heart. Lester loved to help others, especially his daughter, Leslie, who was his pride and joy. He was beloved by his daughter as much in return. His son-in-law, Clint Culp, said, “Lester stood tall in a crowd”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Lester Thorp and daughter, Joey Ann Thorp.

Lester will always be loved and remembered by his wife of fifty years, Betty Jo; his daughter, Leslie Thorp Culp and husband, Clint of Los Angeles; their two daughters, Sarah Anna Jo Culp and Ellie Campbell Thorp Culp; stepdaughter, Sabrina Schwenke and son, William Schwenke; sister, Billie Ann and Jack Lee; and a niece and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 22, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, Taft. Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23 at First Baptist Church of Taft. Burial will follow at Sinton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South Texas Children’s Home.