Charles "Sam' Lovell

On Saturday, November 2, 2024, Sam Lovell, age 94, of Overland Park, KS departed from Rococo Healthcare Services, Olathe, KS and went to be with the Lord. He was born on April 22, 1930, in Dallas, TX, the son of Mae (Williams) and Jim Lovell.

He spent his formative years in Ennis, TX where he lettered in football and basketball. After graduating from high school in 1948, he attended Texas Christian University and played football his freshman year. After graduating with a Bachelor in Science in Physical Education in 1953, he spent 2 years in Japan with the Navy where he decoded messages and played football. Summiting Mt. Fuji while there was a life highlight.

Upon returning to Texas, he met the love of his life, Kay Baird, on the steps of Southside Church of Christ in Fort Worth, TX. They married in 1956 and later moved to Austin, TX where in 1960 he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas. Working his way as an electrical engineer he experienced a moving spree which included Los Angeles, CA; Abilene, TX; Greenville, TX; Richardson, TX; Plano, TX; Newport News, VA; and Crowley, TX. During this time, Sam and Kay raised two daughters, Mindy and Susan. In 1966 while living in the Dallas area he earned a Master of Science in Engineering Administration from Southern Methodist University and in 1971 he retired as a Lieutenant Commander LCDR from the Naval Reserves. For 2 years he owned Sam’s Auto Parts in Garland, TX. In 1993 he moved to Lenexa, KS to work for the Federal Aviation Administration and to live near his daughters. He retired in 1996 and later moved to Overland Park, KS.

Throughout his entire life, Sam was a faithful servant of the Lord. He served as a deacon at two congregations and an elder at two congregations. After he retired, Sam dedicated much of his time helping in numerous ministries including going to Honduras in 2013 to build houses. He had a great fondness for young children which led him to serve several years as the Chairman of the Board for Sonshine School at Overland Park Church of Christ.

Sam could be a bit of a cut-up and delighted in making people smile and helping others. He was always there for his family and those that he considered to be family. He found great joy in beekeeping and gardening, a passion he pursued on a scale far beyond that of most hobbyists. He enjoyed being a handyman and developed a close bond with his son-in-law, Don, while finishing two basements and many other projects. Sam and Kay adored traveling the USA and the world having been to all 50 states and all of the continents except Antarctica. However, he would tell you that for years his favorite trip was to drive 700 miles to Ohio to see his grandchildren, Michael and Emily.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mae Lovell; his brother, Jim (Bud) Lovell, Jr., and his daughter, Susan Lovell. Survivors include his wife of 68 years Kay Lovell, of Overland Park, KS; daughter, Mindy Lisa and her husband, Don of Overland Park, KS; grandson, Michael Lisa and his wife Anna of Cleveland, OH and granddaughter Emily Lisa of Seattle, WA. He also leaves behind many close friends who were like family to him and other dear relatives.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS for Saturday, November 9, 2024 with Visitation at 1pm, Service at 2pm, and Burial at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations as a memorial honoring Sam Lovell made to Harvesters Community Food Network.