Joseph Ray Love

Local businessman Joseph Ray Love passed from earthly life at 12:02am on Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ray was a lifelong resident of Louisiana. Together with his son Curt, Ray owned and operated Love and Sons Hauling and Excavating. Ray was born in Ashburn, Missouri, on November 29, 1931, a son of Lilburn Harvey Love and Bertha Valirea (Cox) Love. He was one of nine children; two brothers survive him, Chester Love of Fulton, Missouri and Averon Love (Mary Lou) of Louisiana, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Mary Copher, Laura Catherine Hart, and Maxine Weber and three brothers, Clarence Love, Orin Love and Charles M. Love. Ray is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Sharon (Muff) Love and four children: Debra Love Clark (H. Robert) of Mahomet, Illinois, Vicki Everding (Ray) of Columbia, Illinois, Bryce Love (Doris Jo) of Louisiana, Missouri and Curtis Love of Bowling Green, Missouri. One daughter, Valirea Love (Shriver), predeceased him. Ray is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ray attended Louisiana schools and enlisted and served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of sergeant while serving In the Korean War. He was honorably discharged and upon his return to Louisiana, Ray and his father, Harvey, started Love and Son Hauling. Ray was member of Elmwood Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of VFW Post #370 and was a lifetime member of American Legion Post #5553, serving both of those organizations in a variety of positions. For over 50 years he was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Elks Lodge #791. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at noon on June 13, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church in Louisiana, Missouri. The family will greet friends for an hour preceding the services, from 11 am to noon. There will be a special time of fellowship and remembrance of Ray’s life at the American Legion immediately after the services. Military honors will be accorded at the church. Private interment will be held at a later date at Fairview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elmwood Presbyterian Church, Louisiana, Missouri, the USO or the Alumni Scholarship Fund at Louisiana High School or an organization of the donor’s choosing.

Joseph Ray Love

November 29, 1931 - May 23, 2015