Forrest Eugene Thorpe

FORREST EUGENE THORPE On the morning of April 2, 2025, Forrest Eugene Thorpe went to sleep and woke up in a peaceful and better place. He is now free from his pain, sickness, and worry. He leaves his wife of nearly 55 years, Reva (Shufflebarger), his beloved children, grandchildren, and plethora of friends he acquired over the years. Forrest was born April 12, 1950, in Atchison, KS to Forrest Odell and Cora Cecil (Van Horn) Thorpe. He was the only child of the couple. He and his parents lived in Atchison until he was in his early 20's. He and Reva married on October 15, 1970, at the First Christian Church of Atchison, KS. "Gene", as many knew him, worked many years as a self-taught craftsman. He had the artistic ability to build log cabins that would astound so many while working at Silver Dollar City. One of his most treasured builds was the church now known as Dogwood Chapel, near Branson, MO. Forrest also had the unequivocal ability of charcoal pencil art, with his favorite drawings being Mountain Men and Native American art. His love of history, especially the Civil War, bled through everything in his life and is seen in detail in the log home he built. Aside from these talents, Forrest loved the spring season and looked forward to "mushroom hunting", red buds, and flowers blooming as soon as the last frost hit. Inevitably, living in SW Missouri, there was always another last frost, which would infuriate Forrest every season. Over the years, he taught himself how to use a computer and the internet, making friends from all over the country. One of his favorite things to research was genealogy; he was so proud of everywhere his family had come from and the number of years they'd been in this country. His other interests and hobbies included building muzzleloader rifles and collecting antique lamps, often referred to as "my treasures". But one of the most endearing characteristics was his huge sense of humor and sending ridiculous videos to his kids and grandkids on Facebook. Forrest's real love was his family. As a child, he loved spending time in Rushville, MO with his Grandma Thorpe, going for walks into the woods and sitting on her front porch. Forrest and Reva were teenagers when they met and endured many obstacles in their lives together, but they never gave up. He adored Reva and would often say, "The way you kids turned out is because of your mom, she's a better parent". He always gave her the credit for the joys and successes of the family. They loved going to flea markets together and driving to Eureka Springs, seeing old Victorian homes. Forrest's dream was to own one and find a way to install a saloon bar inside of it. As a dad, he loved watching his kids grow up. As kids, he was proud when he was able to teach his oldest daughter what tree leaves belong to which tree, he laughed when his youngest daughter tried to catch a grass snake and when she sang to the animals, and he loved to hear his son make jokes that would send him into a tailspin of laughter. Forrest was also proud to be a grandpa (papa) and loved family gatherings that brought everyone under one roof. Forrest is survived by his wife Reva (Shufflebarger) of the home in Cape Fair, MO. He is also survived by his daughter Shannon (Randy) Looney of Cape Fair, MO, Mendy Thorpe (fiancé Zak Aslamy) of Phoenix, AZ, and Jesse Thorpe (special friend Ruthie Baker) of Cape Fair, MO. Grandchildren surviving are Amanda Looney, Justin Looney, and Colten Looney, all of Cape Fair, MO; Jess of Nixa, MO, Rippley, and Rylee Schroll both of Phoenix, AZ; Sammantha (Tristan) Wynne of Hollister, MO, and Raylan Thorpe of Branson, MO. And great-grandchildren Kayden and Kaylee (Amanda Looney) Looney and Remington and Clarrissa (Justin Looney) Looney all of Cape Fair, MO. Forrest will be missed dearly, from his laughter, his temper, and his love and no day will ever be the same.