Allen Thrower

(Photo taken August 9, 2008)

Allen Thrower, the third child of four, was born to Webb Alvin Thrower and Vela ExaBelle Sutton on August 22, 1935 in Waco, Texas. His two brothers are James William Thrower and Bobby Joe Thrower. His younger sister, Peggy Anada passed away over eight years ago. Allen was a self-motivated child, purchasing a clarinet and learning to play it very well on his own. This prepared him to accept a full scholarship in music at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he earned his BA in Music Education. He worked as a grocer to put himself through college.

Allen taught high school concert and marching band for many years. Every band he worked with improved dramatically and enjoyed high contest ratings. While working on his Master’s Degree, he was employed as a grocery store manager. He did postgraduate work at the University of Texas in Austin, and at West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. Allen’s last employment was with Novell for five years.

Allen met Laura Jeanne Maus at the wedding of his first cousin, Patsy Sutton. Patsy was Jeannie’s college roommate. After a four month courtship, Allen and Jeannie were married on August 8, 1964. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple on July 3, 1973. Their marriage of 44 years was a joyful one, and produced five children: Walter Andrew Thrower (August 17, 1967 - Aug 18, 1967), Kelly Jo Brenner, Woodrow Aaron Thrower, Daniel Nephi Thrower, and Abraham Maus Thrower (July 4, 1978 - April 3, 1979).

Allen and Jeannie joined the LDS Church and moved to Utah where Allen lived the last 30 years of his life. Allen’s church activity included many years as a choir director, some delightful efforts with ward orchestras, and other callings in teaching and leadership positions. He and Jeannie did research and temple work for many generations of ancestors.

Allen had an extraordinary capacity to love and be loved. He diligently kept in touch with friends and family by phone, letters, and email.

Now his writings can be enjoyed through this posthumous blog.