John Allen Thellman

John Allen Thellman, 74, of Greenwood Arkansas, formally from Youngstown, Ohio, passed away Monday, January 25th in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born January 30, 1942 in Youngstown, Ohio and was the son of John F. Thellman and Phyllis W. Thellman. John's wife the former Dr. Elaine V. Thellman, passed away in 2009.

Mr. Thellman attended Juilliard in New York, New York where he graduated with a double masters degree in education and music, majoring in double bass. He taught orchestra at many schools in the Fort Smith area. He was an active member in the string section playing double bass in the Little Rock Symphony for many years. When Mr. Thellman was not teaching orchestra or playing the double bass, he spent many years as conductor of the Fort Smith Symphony. He had a passion for cycling and was a former race official for the United States Cycling Federation.

Mr. Thellman also had a smaller embroidery business focusing on quality work and customer satisfaction.

Mr. Thellman attended and lead an adult Sunday School class at The First Methodist Church of Greenwood, Ar.

Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Thellman would understand how much he will be missed by not just his family, but by a vast array of friends. He was the most kind and generous person in so many ways, always willing to help a friend or stranger in need of help. His smile and laughter was infectious by nature and ever present.

Mr. Thellman is survived by his daughter Corinne Thellman; son Dr. Shane Thellman, Daughter-in-law Dr. Nikki Thellman; two grand children, Clayton Thellman and Tyler Thellman; and sister Nancy Jane Wittenberger of Columbus, Ohio.

There will be a celebratory gathering on January 28th, 2016 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Riverfront Pavilion 100 North B Street, Fort Smith, AR (the glass house) in his honor to reflect on his life and how he has touched our hearts making this world a better place.