Robert Emerson Thurlow

DRACUT - Robert Emerson Thurlow, 73, a longtime resident of Dracut died October 21, 2016 at the E. N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford. He was the beloved husband of his high school sweetheart, Rev. Dr. Judith Ann (Beaulieu) Thurlow, to whom he was married for 51 years.

He was born in Haverhill on February 19, 1943, and was a son of the late James E. and Harriet B. (Emerson) Thurlow.

Bob served in the United States Air Force and was stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Washington, where he played with the 724th Air Force Band.

Bob earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in music education from the former Lowell State Teacher's College, now UMASS Lowell.

He was an active member for many years of Christ Church United in Lowell and former member of Pawtucket Congregational Church in Lowell.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed for many years as a music instructor and band director for Chelmsford High School. As band director he conducted the band at football games, parades, and concerts.

A talented musician in his own right, Bob was a well known trumpet player, having played with the Merry Macs Band and playing solo performances at church. He was also a member of the Chelmsford Community Band and the Lowell High School Alumni Band.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by loving children whom he was devoted to, Robert Emerson Thurlow, Jr. of Lowell and Joy Allison (Thurlow) Leclair and her husband Michael of Berwick, ME; his brother, James E. Thurlow of Lowell, his sister, Jane (Thurlow) Choy and her husband Wang of The Netherlands; his sister-in-law, Martha (Beaulieu) Robey and her husband Richard of Lowell; his aunt Dorothy Martin of Wakefield; his granddogs, Chuck Billy and Asa; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his granddog Lemmy.