Earl Thorp

Longtime Moses Lake resident and dentist, Earl Thorp, died Friday, February 20, 2026, at the age of 103, in College Place, Washington. 

In 1903, the Wright brothers took their first flight. Wilmot Earl Thorp, Jr., flew into the world 20 years later, on January 30, 1923. Born in La Salle, Colorado, to Wilmot E. and Molly Thorp, he was the youngest of five children.  

His early years were spent throughout the Midwest where Willie and Molly worked as itinerant farmers. They eventually made their way west to the Walla Walla Valley. Earl attended high school in Milton Freewater, Oregon, ultimately graduating from Yakima Valley Academy (now Upper Columbia Academy) in 1941. 

As a child, and throughout his life he had an unquenchable adventurous spirit, and he always had his eyes toward the skies. His love for flying incorporated his closest friends, with whom he had a coffee date every morning for over 40 years. During that time, he launched his creative spirit and love for flying by owning his own plane and building a bi-wing stunt plane, the baby Great Lakes. 

Earl’s adventures were also aquatic. He always had a boat, and at one time he had a ski boat, sailboat, rowboat and patio boat — all at the same time. He was one of the first water skiers on Moses Lake and over the years taught many kids how to water ski. 

Pearl Harbor took place when Earl was 18 and just out of high school. He served our country as a radiation tech and although he didn't fight on Hacksaw Ridge, he cared for the wounded men who came off the ridge in the field hospital where he was stationed at that time. He never carried a gun, but served our country bravely, just the same. 

While he was gone, he wrote many love letters to his sweetheart back home. "Scotty” and Earl met in high school when she was 16 and he was 17. They were reunited after the war and married September 15, 1947. They had four children, Richard, Beverly, Rebekah and Barbara. They also had 19 grandchildren and 30&½ (one in the hopper) great-grandchildren. They were married for 78&½ years. 

Earl graduated Walla Walla College in 1949, and he received his DMD from the University of Oregon in 1953. He loved learning and therefore, reading, always supporting the local library. He was also a self-taught musician, playing the guitar, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica and dulcimer. 

Earl loved the outdoors and spent many weekends camping, hiking, looking for arrowheads, cycling and water or snow skiing with his family. He enjoyed being active and challenging himself. He was an avid runner and ran many Bloomsday races and fun runs, even finishing a local triathlon. 

Earl, Dr. Thorp to many, loved working with his hands. Thus, his love for dentistry, which he practiced for over 40 years. While he began practicing in Ephrata, he spent most of those 40 years serving patients in Moses Lake.  

Because of his compassion towards others, he often used the barter system to pay for his services. Sometimes accepting a box of potatoes or a pan of tamales for dental treatment. 

Earl was always involved in community affairs and was a member of the Lions Club for over 40 years. 

A lifelong Seventh-day Adventist, Earl loved the Lord Jesus and looked forward to His soon return. His main concern was that he and all whom he reached with his influence be prepared for that great day. He was a mentor and motivator for his family and many others. He will be missed! 

There will be a memorial service at Ingle Chapel, 85372 Highway 339 (Old Highway), Milton Freewter, Oregon on Friday, March 20 , at 3 p.m.