Everett Kenneth Thorpe

Everett K. Thorpe, 89, of Sterling, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, in Brush, Colorado. Viewing and visitation with the family will be held Friday, May 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Halouska Family Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Saturday, May 16th at 10:00 a.m. in the Merino High School gymnasium, with Pastor Spencer Green officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, with a reception following at Riverview Golf Course.

Everett, known lovingly by his family and friends as E.T., was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on October 7, 1936, to Everett Thorpe and Alma Schmoker-Thorpe. The family moved from Minnesota to Golden, Colorado, when he was 6 years old. He graduated from Golden High School in 1954. He earned his bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate from the University of Northern Colorado.

Everett was an active member of the community for many years. He began his teaching career in New Raymer at Prairie School in 1958. After 10 years, he moved to Minturn and taught at Battle Mountain for 6 years. He then moved to Merino, where he finished his teaching career.

While at Battle Mountain and Merino, he wore many hats, including administrator, teacher, athletic director, coach, and bus driver. Throughout his career, he coached football, and baseball, but is best known for his success as a wrestling coach. In 2023, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Everett is remembered not just for his coaching wins, but for the values he instilled in those who knew him—hard work, accountability, fairness, and perseverance. He believed in offering every student second chances, teaching life lessons, and always going the extra mile.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, but most of all he loved his family and spending time with them at family gatherings.

Everett is survived by his wife of 70 years, Joanne Thorpe; their four children, Beckey Schlagel, Ken Thorpe, Carol Brunkhardt (Monte), and Brad Thorpe (Linda); 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Donations may be made in honor of Everett to the Merino High School wrestling program.