Orville W. Love

Dear son of the late Roy and Alice Love, devoted husband of the late Virginia M. Love, loving father of Janet Love St. Charles, MO, Sherry Love (Michael Hunter) Loch Lloyd, MO, Douglas (Patty) Love Bloomington, IL, doting grandfather of Kristin Love Santa Fe, NM, Weston Love Chicago, IL, Graham Love Bloomington, IL, proud great-grandfather of Manú Barrόn Love Santa Fe, NM, dear brother of the late Isabell Price, Iola Combes, and Levern Love, and caring brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, cousin, and friend.

Orville was born April 27, 1917 in Neosho Rapids, KS. The Dust Bowl of the 1930’s convinced teenage Orville to heed the advice of his mother and high school principal to leave the farm and enroll at Kansas State College (KSU). He graduated with honors in 1941 with a BS in Agriculture. His career was put on hold as he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces just prior to the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. During World War II he served in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands attaining the rank of Major. Orville married Virginia M. Lammlein on June 16, 1945 at Jefferson Barracks, MO. They were married for 62 years.

After WWII Orville began his career ensuring there would not be a repeat of the Dust Bowl. As a young soil and water conservationist, he walked nearly every farm of Johnson County helping owners implement conservation techniques. Later he was responsible for the eastern third of Kansas. Orville retired in 1980 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture after nearly 39 years of federal employment. During his distinguished career, he helped many landowners develop conservation skills, mentored many in conservation careers, and practiced soil and water conservation on his farm in Olathe. At his retirement, he said, “I’ve always enjoyed the conversation that accompanies conservation, so please keep in touch.”

The Love family lived in Mission, Olathe, Emporia, and Topeka, KS. In retirement Orville and Virginia enjoyed traveling in their RV and spent winters in South Texas. In their later years, they spent time living near each of their children.

Orville was talented in woodworking and made beautiful projects for his family. He was an avid volunteer and a member of the Association of Retired Conservation Service Employees, NARFE, K-State Alumni Association, American Legion, and he was the oldest Kansas SCS/NRCS retiree. He took great care of his health by swimming into his early nineties, and he exercised to the end.

Orville lived in interesting times and had great stories which he was quick to share. He never met a stranger. Throughout his life he kept in touch with family and friends including mastering emails and cell phones. All who knew him were inspired by his optimism and determination to live each day to its fullest. Orville’s faith was an important part of his daily life. He was a lifelong Methodist and lived his faith through his name and all the things that “LOVE is” (1 Corinthians 13). His ever present smile and hugs will be missed.

Visitation will be 2-3 pm, Saturday, Jan 7, 2017 followed by services at 3 pm at McGilley Memorial Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO. Orville will be laid to rest with Virginia at a later date at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to KSU Foundation, Orville Love Memorial Fund, www.found.ksu.edu/give/orvillelove or to an educational institution of your choice.