R. Clinton Thayer Jr.

Moodus — R. Clinton Thayer Jr., 87, passed away on Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, at Cobalt Healthcare.

Mr. Thayer was born on May 9, 1930, in New London, to Ralph and Eleanor Thayer. He honorably served in the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.

Mr. Thayer attended New London schools and was active in musical activities. At the age of 16, he led a dance band that played at Ocean Beach Park. He attended the Eastman School of Music where he met his wife, Connie. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the Air Force Band at Sampson AFB, New York, where he spent four years. After graduating from Eastman in 1956, he served for 16 years in the USCG Band, where he achieved the rank of MUCS.

Mr. Thayer taught music in Groton for 11 years and coached many young musicians in the Eastern CT Symphony Youth Orchestra. He performed and conducted extensively, including serving as choir director of the First Baptist Church in New London where he served as deacon and moderator. He was a member of the S.A.R. and active in Masons for many years.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Mr. Thayer enjoyed gardening, history, genealogy and spending time with family.

Mr. Thayer is predeceased by his wife, Constance J. Thayer.

He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Backes and her husband, Clifford, of Moodus; son, Ralph C. Thayer III of South Carolina; his two grandsons, Peter M. and his wife, Sara McIvor, of New Jersey and Christian C. and wife, Christine McIvor, of North Carolina; and his great-granddaughters, Juliette McIvor of North Carolina and Claire McIvor of New Jersey.

Calling hours will be held from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, in Flanders Baptist Church, Church Lane and Boston Post Road, East Lyme.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Flanders Baptist Church Music Fund, 138 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, CT 06333.