John Lovelace

John was born in Ada, OK. He graduated from Latta High School, received his B.A. from Bethel College, and his B.D. from the Cumberland Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Cindy) Lovelace of Odessa, TX; Alana Farmer (Matt) and grandchildren Ella & Beckett of Evansville, IN; Laura Jan Patterson (Wayne) of Portland, OR and grandchildren Emma, Jacob, Nathan (Chanel) and great granddaughter Sage Love. He also has many nieces & nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years and partner in ministry, Joyce Rogers Lovelace, son David and daughter Mary.

John was an ordained minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for 70 years. He pastored at CP Mission in El Reno, OK; at Sacramento, KY CPC; and at Morningside CPC, in Evansville, IN.

Pastor John truly had a missionary’s heart serving in long and short-term missionary efforts for 36 years. Serving the Choctaw Presbytery in Oklahoma, The Cumberland Presbyterian Denomination in Colombia, South America, and with Beth-El farmworkers ministry in Ruskin, FL. He was also called to minister to the incarcerated through Prison Fellowship, Vanderburgh and Warrick County Jails and Kairos retreat weekends in prisons. John was passionate about leading work groups wherever there was a need. Most recently, working with the Lakota Indians on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

He was known as “JG” by his family in Oklahoma, was affectionately referred to as “Brother John” by many in the churches where he served, but he loved to be called “Daddy Love” by his grandchildren. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed beating you in a rousing game of rook and/or dominos.

John’s legacy in ministry came from a heart and a commitment to help those who were marginalized and unseen by trying to provide some concrete expression of love to them, whether it be food, firewood, propane, construction materials or simply prayer.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Morningside Presbyterian Church, Rev. James Messer & Rev. Wayne Patterson will officiate. A Graveside Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Sacramento, Kentucky led by Dr. Charles McCaskey. Friends may visit on Friday, May 21, 2021 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Morningside church.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made out to the Morningside Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8419 Newburgh Road, Evansville, IN 47715 to be used to help the Lakota Indians or to support ministries in Colombia, SA.