John Eric Thorp, 54, passed away on November 10, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas. Eric was fiercely independent and brilliant, with ideas and insights at a young age that many would not reach even later in life.

He worked tirelessly in many roles, most notably as a skilled retail salesman at Knives Plus in Amarillo, where he sharpened cutlery from pocketknives to swords. He was also a respected gunsmith who could disassemble and reassemble weapons with the precision of a military armorer.

A voracious reader, Eric had an insatiable curiosity and a mind that constantly sought new knowledge and perspectives. Music was another passion—he played in several bands, excelling on both electric and acoustic guitar, and was equally capable on the drums. His performances were full of energy, precision, and a joy that mirrored his quick mind.

Eric had a sharp, dark, and clever sense of humor. He carried an arsenal of jokes for nearly every occasion, and his wheezy laugh when tickled will be remembered by all who knew him. In later years, he found companionship in Dachshunds and shared his home with his charismatic parrot, Dublin.

He was a father to two incredible children. He is survived by his brother and sister. Eric’s life was complex and challenging, and he navigated it as best he could. Like the knives he sharpened, his humor and talents were precise and unforgettable.

In the end, his story, his music, his words, and his wit remain with us—and he is finally at peace.