Ivanhoe Love, Sr., 97, was born on October 6, 1922 on Pendleton Farm near Dumas, Arkansas to John and Susie Love.

Ivanhoe was educated in the Shady Grove public school system. He was drafted by the United States Army to serve in World War II and served in the Western Pacific Theatre honorably discharged in 1946. Decorations and citations – Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon, AP Theater Ribbon and a Bronze Service Star.

On January 28, 1946 he married Gentry Lee Miller and to this union 5 sons were born. Two additional sons included Robert C. Love and Lee Andrew Smith.

After several years as a share cropper, he moved to Liberal, Kansas in the mid 1950's and worked various jobs. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and owned several companies including Custom Floor Services, rental and lawn services. He retired from working in the maintenance department at Seward County Community College and moved to Olathe and started another lawn service.

He accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized in Silver Lake and became a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. At Community Baptist Church in Liberal, KS he served as a layman, Sunday School Superintendent, trustee, Deacon Chair and sang in the quartet. In 1995 he united with Second Baptist Church of Olathe where he served as a deacon until his death. Ivanhoe was a member of the Douglas A. Smith Lodge #118.

Papa Love as he was affectionately known enjoyed attending church, fishing, and spending time with family. He departed this life on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 surrounded by his family at the Olathe Hospice House. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Susie Love; and Stepmother Angie Love. Sisters - Ozie Lee Love and Lydia Bea Robertson; Brothers – Jimmie Harris and Bobby Love; and Son Robert C. Love.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 73 years Gentry of the home. Children – Ivanhoe Jr. of Liberal, KS; Levorn of Kansas City, KS; Howard (Dixie) of Olathe, KS; Wilbert of Tacoma, WA; Lee Andrew (Janell) of Joliet, IL; and Bobby (Janice) of Olathe, KS. Siblings – Johnnie Bea Fulcher of Riverside, CA; Silvester Love of St. Louis, MO and Robert Love, Sr. (Johnnie Ruth) of Liberal, KS; and Felton Love of Los Angeles, CA. A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 19, 5:30-8:00 p.m. and Friday, December 20, 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Second Baptist Church of Olathe. Services will follow at 10:00 a.m. Interment Liberal Cemetery, Liberal, KS. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.