Alan Palmer French Thurlow, 86, of Columbus, MS passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-GT, Columbus, MS.

A Memorial Service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 2:00 PM with Rev. Diane Lemmon officiating and Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing.

Alan Palmer French Thurlow, the only son of two artists, was born February 28, 1929, to the late Rollon French Thurlow and Helen Van Schaick Palmer Thurlow in Syracuse, New York. He studied design in high school, took art courses at Pratt University and other art schools. He received his BFA degree from Syracuse University, did his Masters studies at the University of Alabama and his Doctoral studies at Mississippi State University.

As a youth, he volunteered for the civil air patrol. Before taught at Mississippi University for Women for over 20 years and taught at Mississippi State University, he was an art director for New York Advertising agencies, the Port of New York Authority, the Museum of Natural History, and a design editor of NFL Illustrated. An art exhibitor of photography, illustration and sculpture since 1942, he considered himself not an artist, but a designer for 43 years. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, a social fraternity, Alpha Delta Sigma, and advertising honorary, and Kappa Pi, an art honorary. He retired in 1985, was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and the Possum Town Barbershop Singers. In addition, he opened the Creative Shop store in Columbus.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years-Jacqueline Pulver Thurlow, Columbus, MS; a daughter-Gaye (Mike) Thurlow Cox, Shelbyville, KY; a son, David (Lania) Thurlow, Pace, FL; 6 grandsons-Matthew (Megan)  and 3 children; Benjamin (Sara) and 3 children; Jesse (Vivian) and 2 children; and Joshua (Erin) and 1 child; Jonathan and Levi Cox.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 511 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702.