Don Jennings Thorp

Don was born on February 20, 1946, to Jeryl and Cora Thorp in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The family moved to Bisbee, Arizona, in 1952, and he graduated from Bisbee High School in 1964. He attended Cochise Junior College through 1966 and graduated from the University of Arizona in 1968 with a teaching degree. He also received his Masters in Education from the UofA.

He taught at Frank Borman Junior High School from 1968–1970 and January 1972-1974, at Phoenix Christian High School from 1974 through 1992, and with Florence ISD (Texas) from 1992 through 2001.

Don served in the Army at Ft. Sam Houston from June 1970 through January 1972. After retiring from teaching, Don enjoyed driving the courtesy shuttle for Don Hewlett Chevrolet for several years.

A long-time and faithful member of First Baptist Church, Georgetown, Don served the congregation and community in many capacities, including as Deacon, Chairman of the Homebound Lord’s Supper, singing in the choir, taking part in the juvenile detention center ministry among others. He was greatly loved by the many that he served so faithfully in his three decades at FBG.

Don is survived by his wife, Patricia Thorp, daughter Lori De Jong and son-in-law Eric De Jong of Georgetown, Texas, granddaughter Michaela De Jong of Arlington, Texas, brothers Jeryl Thorp and Del Thorp of Sierra Vista, Arizona, and cousin Rick Norman of Midlothian, Texas. He is predeceased by parents Jeryl and Cora Thorp, maternal grandparents Samual and Joycie Farmer, paternal grandparents Daniel and Mary Coye Thorp, and brother James P. Thorp.

Don was a much-loved teacher and coach for many decades, and hundreds of his former students have kept in touch with him because of the impact he had on their lives. That meant so much to him over the years.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at 11am, January 13, 2024, at Cook-Walden/Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldendavisfuneralhome.com for the Thorp family.