We're celebrating 85 years of the life of Robert (Bob) Loughrige. He had a lifelong passion for friends, family, and music.

Upon leaving this earth, he was greeted by his wife Pat, his brothers Boyd and George, his parents Lois and Ash, and other friends and family members.

Here he will be celebrated by his daughters, Claire Loughrige (and Randy Winkeljohn) and Maria (and Joel Pascua), granddaughter Jasmine (and Max Thomassy), his great-granddaughter Emma Thomassy, and sisters Noreen (and Tom) Schwieterman and Mikki (and Joe) Ward.

He touched the lives of several generations in his over 30-year career as music director in Botkins and Celina. He especially enjoyed codirecting with his brother Boyd bringing entertainment to many with their TBDBITL-like marching band halftime shows. Another one of his passions, along with performing with the jazz group The Pastels, was starting the West Ohio Big Band which attracted serious area musicians. Following retirement, he and his wife Pat took off in an RV enjoying great food all over the country. They spent their remaining married life in Alabama where he was a working musician still enjoying his love for jazz. After Pat's passing, Bob returned to Ohio to be closer to his family. Back in Ohio, he enjoyed playing once again with his lifelong friend and former Pastels' piano player, Jerry Amato, performing for various local functions.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. This will be an informal gathering where family, friends, and former students can share favorite stories and memories.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Loughrige Brothers' Scholarship Fund as a tribute to their commitment to music education.

Condolences may be expressed to the Loughrige family on-line at LehmanDzendzelFh.com.