Mr. Howard Lee "Mickey" Love

Howard Lee Love, affectionately known as “Mickey,” was born on January 6, 1949, in Dumas, Arkansas, to the union of Ivanhoe and Gentry Love. He passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service and joy. He was preceded in death by his father, Ivanhoe Love, Sr., and his brother, Robert C. Love. Mickey accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Community Baptist Church in Liberal, Kansas. He attended public schools in Liberal. In his later years, he attended Second Baptist Church of Olathe, Kansas where he enjoyed assisting with the community garden. Mickey was a trailblazer. He made history as the first African American to become a certified Emergency Medical Technician at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal. To the neighborhood, he was more than just an EMT—he was a hometown hero. We beamed with pride seeing him drive through the city with the ambulance lights flashing. If there was an emergency, we all hoped Mickey was the one behind the wheel. In addition to saving lives, Mickey had a passion for food and service. As a cook he worked at the Liberal Country Club, The Pancake House, and Talk of the Town Restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas. He also served on the Food Management Team at Fort Riley in Junction City, Kansas. Howard later dedicated many years to providing in-home healthcare in Dodge City, offering compassion and care to those in need, before eventually relocating to Olathe. Outside of work, Mickey lived fully and freely. He loved the great outdoors—fishing, hunting, horseback riding, bicycling, hiking and playing softball. Mickey never met a stranger. He was always ready with a story, a bit of wisdom, or a helping hand, especially for the elderly and anyone who felt like life had counted them out. On most days, you could find him in his favorite chair, remote in hand, traveling the world through the National Geographic channel —exploring distant lands from the comfort of home. Howard (Mickey) is survived by his children: Tina Marie Stacks (Vance) of Memphis, Tennessee and Jason D. Love (Katrina) of Tucson, Arizona. Stepchildren: Rebecca Love (Christina) of Junction City, Kansas, Jerome Gillespie of Shawnee, Kansas, Nakia Jones (Shawn) of St. Louis, Missouri. His mother, Gentry Love, of Olathe, Kansas; Brothers: Ivanhoe Love Jr., of Liberal, Kansas, Curtis Love (Joyce Michelle), of O’Fallon, Missouri, Levorn Love, of Kansas City, Kansas, Lee Andrew Smith (Janelle), of Joliet, Illinois, Wilbert Love, of Tacoma, Washington, Rev. Bobby Love Sr. (Janice), of Olathe, Kansas. He is also remembered by his 20 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss his stories, frankness, humor, and warm spirit. Memorial services Saturday, July 19, at 11:00am at Second Baptist Church of Olathe. Private Disposition. Arrangement entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Mr. Howard Lee "Mickey" Love

June 27, 1937 - July 3, 2025