The family of Robert L. (Bob) Thompson, 92, of Inverness, announces with sorrow and also with appreciation and joy for being part of his life, his death on January 8, 2022.
Bob was born on May 5, 1929, in Wellsville, Ohio. As a child, his gift and lifelong love for music was apparent. He soon began playing music with his mother and siblings. By the time he entered high school, he had his own popular band that played big-band era music in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
After graduating high school in 1949, Bob went on to an internship in the music retail business in Chicago. While there, he was called to serve his nation in the Korean War. He served honorably and proudly as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division of the United States Army.
His gift for playing the clarinet and saxophone combined with many hours of practicing and a strong work ethic gave him the opportunity to play in the bands of notable celebrities such as Danny Thomas and Lawrence Welk.
Bob moved to Florida in 1957, where, in addition to performing, he opened a chain of music stores called The Melody Shop.
He offered music lessons at the stores, and it was there that he realized his life’s calling – being a music tutor to young people. With his witty, dry humor and his ability to connect with young people, he was a natural and beloved instructor and encourager.
During his amazing 61 years as a music mentor and salesman in the music retail business, he had a talent for teaching the fundamentals of playing band instruments. But his true gift was for encouraging children to enter band programs. Appreciative band directors praised his talent for recruitment. He was a music evangelist who passed his torchlight of music to tens of thousands of young people who entered school bands, and to some who went on to pursue careers in music.
Bob was preceded in death by his son, Keith Thompson. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Kathleen Thompson, his children, Mark Thompson of Mississippi and Maralee McKee (Kent) of Orlando, FL; his grandchildren, Shane and Shanna, Marc-Robert and Corbett; his great-grandchildren, Delaina, Everly, and Ava; and his great-great-grandchildren, Harper and Cooper.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 12:30 PM at Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home of Inverness, FL, with Pastor Brandon Lauranzon officiating. Bob will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery of Bushnell, FL, immediately following the services at the funeral home, where full military honors will be rendered. Cremation with Care is under the direction of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home.
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