Lamar Edker Love

The family of Lamar Edker Love lovingly shares the news of his peaceful passing on October 12, 2025, surrounded by family and in the care of the Lord. Though we deeply grieve his loss, we are eternally grateful for the 95 years he spent sharing his warmth and joy for life with the world. He was a pillar of strength and a source of unwavering love, and he is deeply missed.

Lamar was born on April 18, 1930 in Kemper Springs, Mississippi, to Herbert Love and Hassie C. Clayton. He grew up in Kemper Springs and joined the military shortly after graduating from high school. While serving in the U.S. Army, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business. After retiring from the military, he continued to advance his education—working toward a Master’s degree while building a second career in the banking industry.

For 30 years, Lamar served proudly in the United States Army. He joined the Army in 1948 and retired in 1978 as a Command Sergeant Major. Early in his career, he was deployed to Japan as part of the post-war Allied Occupation forces supporting the country’s reconstruction. He later served in Germany during the Allied Occupation, where he was stationed along the Berlin Wall at a pivotal time in history. His dedication to the United States of America was further demonstrated by two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he faced demanding circumstances with honor and unwavering commitment.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Lamar and his family lived in numerous locations across the United States as he rose steadily through the ranks. His exemplary service culminated in Kaiserslautern, Germany, where he served with honor as the Command Sergeant Major of the 94th Military Police Battalion, and later with the 53rd Transportation Battalion, before his well-earned retirement. Over the course of 30 years, he was recognized with the Legion of Merit for his exceptional leadership, steadfast integrity, and unwavering devotion to the soldiers he led and to the United States of America.

Following his distinguished military service, Lamar embarked on a successful second career in finance. He built that career at BancOhio (later National City Bank, now PNC Bank) in Corporate Security, where he served for more than 20 years before he retired. He applied the same principles of leadership, integrity, and disciplined work ethic that defined his Army service to his professional life, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout his banking career.

Even in retirement, he continued to challenge himself intellectually. He developed a passion for stock trading, an endeavor in which he was both deeply interested and successful. This pursuit of complex knowledge was a true testament to his lifelong curiosity and strategic mind.

While his career was defined by discipline and dedication, Lamar’s life was fundamentally defined by his devotion to his family. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren affectionately knew him by many names: "National Treasure," "Pooh Bear," "Papa," "Dad," “Chief,” and “Gadget Man,” a nod to his love of technology. He truly loved life and cherished every moment spent with his family and friends. He had a boundless capacity for love and a delightful and unique sense of humor, and a deep-seated faith. He often reminded his family of his favorite saying, “In God We Trust.” He was the anchor of his family, and his love, warmth, wisdom, and strength will be profoundly missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Lamar was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie C. Love; his parents, Herbert Love and Hassie C. Love; his brother Percy Love; and sister, Norweda Love Battle.

He is survived by his children, Cynthia M. Love, N. Chris Love (Paul Boyll), Lamara I. Love, and Lamar V. Love (Sheila Love); his devoted companion Glenna Logan; granddaughters Lauren M. Friley, Maria A. Teitsma (Christopher), Rebecca C. Brown, Clara M. Love and Millie Dolce (Greg); great-grandchildren Rayden L. Potts, Ava M. Friley, Donovan L. Friley, Miles Teitsma, Connor Teitsma, Kai Teitsma, Riley Teitsma, Ezra Dolce, Joel Dolce, and Vera Dolce; his beloved double-cousin and lifelong best friend, Abner Love Jr., who was like a brother to him. He is also survived by a host of loving cousins, extended family members, and cherished friends.

Funeral Arrangements

The visitation will be held at Schoedinger Northwest Funeral Home, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 31, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Lamar Love’s honor on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at St. Philip Episcopal Church, 166 Woodland Ave, Columbus, Ohio, 43203. Family and friends are invited to attend the service at 10:00 a.m.

Following the Celebration of Life, the burial will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43223 at approximately noon.

A reception will be held immediately following the interment at St Philip Episcopal Church’s reception hall, 166 Woodland Ave, Columbus, Ohio, 43203, for all who wish to continue celebrating Lamar E. Love’s life.

Expressions of Sympathy

The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to US Vets.org– housing; https://usvets.org/how-we-serve/housing/.

His Funeral Service can be watched on Saturday, November 1st, at

https://stphilipscolumbus.org/

Please click on either the Zoom or YouTube link.