Gerald Dee Love

Gerald Dee Love, 85, Springfield, passed away April 18, 2020, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born July 25, 1934 in Springfield, to James Karl and Laura Katherine (Glenn) Love. He attended Springfield High School. Love served in the United States Naval Reserves from 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1961. He married Betty Reynolds in 1956. After many years in the refrigeration business, he began his 35 year career at Paul Mueller Company in 1962, working his way up to vice president of international sales.
He was a charter member of Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma Club, where he was a gold coat president, and a charter member of All-Star Smiles Sertoma. He was recognized as the 2009-2010 All-Star Smiles Sertoman of the Year. He was inducted into the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Hall of Fame in 2013. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award “Sertoma” Gold belt from Smitty’s Midwest Boxing Club in 2016. In June of 2019, he was presented as a lifetime member of All-Star Smiles Sertoma Club.  
Love is survived by: his wife; children, Mark and Tina Love of Miller, Suzi and David Kellough of Springfield, Dina and Jay Brabson of Springfield, John and Melissa Love of Kansas City and June and Rodney Buford of Lee’s Summit; sisters, Jean Gist of Springfield and Glenda Williams of Lancaster, Calif.; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Love was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Darrel Love of Springfield and older brother, James Love of Kansas City.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time to be determined.