Cloral Lovell, Jr.

Cloral L. Lovell, Jr. left his earthly life and joined the church triumphant in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 19, 2009 at the Sterling House of Durant, OK due to complications of recently diagnosed cancer. He was born on May 9, 1922 in Manhattan, Kansas to Cloral L. and Ruth Aiman Lovell, they precede him in death. As a young boy during the Great Depression, Junior, learned early that any success in life comes from hard work and a good education. His mom gave him a head start on the education part. She graduated from Kansas State in 1915 and taught school for several years before marrying and raising her three boys. While attending K-State, Cloral enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1942 and served as a medic in the 22nd Tank Detachment, 11th Armored Division in Europe. He was captured in Germany in January 1945 and was a POW for three months. Upon his return state side to New York, he refused to stay hospitalized for observation and insisted on surprising his mother with his homecoming Mothers Day 1945. He married the former Letha Lindstrom on June 29, 1947 and went on to graduate from K-State in January 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in the Milling Industry and worked for Robin Hood Flour in Newton, KS prior to his transfer to Greenville, Texas in 1954. He was later employed with Temco/LTV/E-Systems as an engineer until his retirement in 1986. In the early 1970s, Cloral was very active in the John Boles and Blackland Players Theatre groups. His children fondly recall his colorful portrayal of Oscar Madison in the production of The Odd Couple in 1971. Cloral was a proud member of the American Legion Post #17 and served in many capacities including Chaplain and Boys State sponsor. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas as a Master Mason, the VFW, DAV, POW/MIA and the Sons of the American Revolution. Since its conception in 1991, Cloral took great pride being asked to light or participate in the lighting of the Vigil Flame at A & M Commerce that burns every November in memory of POWs and the Missing in Action from all wars. Cloral and his wife, Letha, were also very active in the Greenville Entertainment Series, Dallas Symphony Orchestra Series, and Grace Presbyterian Church where he was an active member of the choir until 2005. Cloral had few, if any, regrets in his life and was very thankful for his family and the many friends that he held dear. He never shirked responsibility in any way and took pride in all he did. Cloral is survived by his children, Diane Simpson of Richardson, TX; Mike Lovell and wife, Rose of Carrollton, TX; Jan Riley and husband, Mike of Ennis, TX; Susan Cook and husband, Tommie of Tomball, TX; Kim Bond and husband, Dan of Durant, OK; and Amber Lovell of Rocky Mount, NC; grandchildren, Kari Price; Melanie Kearney; David Lovell; LeAnn Riley; Jennifer Lovell; Matthew Riley and wife, Lis; Kristen Lovell; Taylor Lovell; Ross Lovell; and Jacob Comparan; great-grandchildren, Lindsi Price, Dade Montelongo, Olivia Kearney, Camden Riley, Zane Montelongo, Ethan Riley, and Hunter Riley; brother, Francis J. Lovell and wife, Betty, of Wichita, KS; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends spread across the world who will miss this wonderful man. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Letha, in September 2006; a son, R. Jay Lovell in August 2006; a brother, Roy Lovell; and a son-in-law, Rex Simpson in February 2007. Services for Cloral L. Lovell, Jr. will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Greenville with Ron Salfen officiating. His final resting place will be in Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan, Kansas at a later date. Visitation will be held from 6- 8 P.M. Friday evening at Peters Funeral Home. The family would like to request that any remembrances or memorials be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1041, Greenville, TX 75403 or to the Cloral L. Lovell Youth Fund with the American Legion Post #17, P.O. Box 717.