Roll Call Tribute

Richard Lamar Love 

December 18, 1939 - June 1, 2025 

Richard Lamar Love was born on December 18, 1939 in Alice, Texas to Marion Kirkpatrick Love and Martin Cyril Love. Passing on June 1, 2025, he lived a vibrant and productive 85 years. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Marvel Arthur Love, brother Bob Love and two grandsons. Richard is survived by brother Pat Love and his wife Lynn and Bob’s wife Mary. Richard and Marvel were also blessed and survived by 3 sons and their wives (Dale & Lisa, Chip & Debbie, Rick & Kayleen), 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. All grandchildren have achieved college degrees. Three family members achieved Texas A&M degrees while three have West Point United States Military Academy degrees. Other universities represented in the family are San Angelo State, Sam Houston State, Oklahoma University, Southwestern, UT at El Paso and University of Texas at Arlington.

As a youth, Richard attained the level of Eagle Scout w/1 Palm and was active in the Boy Scouts of America Organization all his life. He was a multisport athlete in high school, winning state honors in the shot put in 1957-58. He graduated from Lampasas High School and accepted a football scholarship to Texas A&M University, where he earned his BBA degree in accounting. Richard made the starting lineup as a sophomore, but a knee injury and subsequent surgery ended football his junior year. Richard remained active in the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association and the Former Student Association his entire life. Richard married his high school sweetheart, Marvel Elaine Arthur, right after high school. While at Texas A&M they became parents of their first two sons Dale and Chip. Their third son, Rick, was born far from their home state in Europe during Richard’s first military tour of duty.

After college, Richard accepted a Regular Army Commission and served a three year tour in Germany. He spent the next year in Vietnam during 1966-67. Richard served as a Battery Commander and Assistant Operations officer with an M107 175mm (8-inch guns) with the 6th Battalion 14th Field Artillery Regiment in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. His military awards include: The Vietnam Service Ribbon w/ Bronze Star; The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal 1966-67; Army Overseas Service Ribbon (1 oak leaf cluster) for serving tours in Germany and Vietnam; the National Defense Service Medal; and the Air Medal.

Ending his military career via medical retirement in 1968, Richard joined the family Ford business. He was involved in running and managing Cove Ford, Inc. for 40 years with his cousin David Love. He served as CEO for much of that time until his retirement in 2009. While working as a Ford Dealer, he also served for 3 years on the National Ford Dealer Council, where he presented the small dealer concerns to the head office of Ford Motor Company in Detroit. Richard served as the president of the Board of Directors for the Texas Ford Dealer Advertising Fund, Inc. He was CEO of RBP Love Corp. which engaged in ranching and investments.

Richard was deeply involved in the Copperas Cove community. Since 1971, he participated in several ventures including: Co-owner of the Copperas Cove Leader Press for two years; past director for the local Salvation Army; served on the CCISD Board of Trustees for two terms and served as board president. He was a charter member the Copperas Cove Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris Award and as well as serving as club president. Richard served as president of the CC Athletic Booster Club and as past director of the CC Golf Association. He served for many years on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank in Copperas Cove, was a commissioner of the CC Police and Fire Commission, a member the CC Industrial Foundation and an active member of and donator to the Texas A&M Central Texas College Foundation Board.

Richard was very active in the local Mt. Hiram Masonic Lodge where he served as treasurer for several years and received the Golden Trowel Award in 2020. He has a 32nd Degree KCCH and treasurer of the CC Scottish Rite Club. He was chairman of the Waco Scottish Rite Bodies Americanism Committee and supported the Scottish Camp Success located on the Baylor Campus.

Richard’s faith was strong and he firmly believed in being involved in an organized religion. He attended Sunday School and church at Grace United Methodist where he served on various committees and enjoyed the Christian Men’s Bass fishing club.

Richard loved to travel and made numerous international trips with the Traveling Aggies and Ford dealership contests. He also enjoyed ranching, golfing, fishing, hunting, winter sports, reading, camping out and watching college and pro football. However, his greatest love was family. He took deep pride in his sons and their offspring. He was never happier than when the whole family would come together at the Star Ranch and do family cookouts.

In Lieu of Flowers, you may give Donations to Grace United Methodist Church of Copperas Cove.

IN THE CARE OF
Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home