Larry John Love

Larry John Love 93 of Dallas, TX, formerly of Wilmette, IL, passed away peacefully at home on November 27, 2021.

Larry was born in Creston, IA on July 16, 1928, to Harry S. Love and Ethel (McDermott) Love. He was the youngest of four children with three older sisters, Hildreth, Jean, and Beverly (Betty). As a child, Larry never left home without his trusty toolbox. He worked in their family’s local hardware & produce store and helped his mother when his father was in Des Moines serving in the Iowa State Legislature.

After graduating from Bridgewater High School in 1945, Larry was given the choice either to stay and run the store or go to college. Larry chose school and attended Simpson College in Indianola, IA where he graduated with a BA in sociology in 1949.

After college, Larry joined the US Navy, graduating from the US Naval War College in Newport, RI in 1952 and serving as a communications officer aboard the USS Sicily (CVE-118) during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant in 1954.

Larry returned to San Diego where he met Verna (Herbst), a kindergarten teacher, and they were married in a suburb of Milwaukee, WI in 1955. Larry and Verna both taught school in San Diego and Pacific Grove, CA before moving to Shorewood, WI where Larry taught English at Shorewood High School.

Aspiring to move into school administration, Larry earned an MA in education from The University of Wisconsin in 1960 and became the Assistant Superintendent for Wilmette Public Schools (District 39) in Wilmette, IL in 1972. In 1976, he became the District Superintendent and served in that role until retiring in 1985. After retirement, he assumed several interim Superintendent roles with Prospect Heights (District 23), Aptakisic-Tripp (District 102), and Gurnee, IL (District 56). For his dedication and service, Larry received an honorary doctorate in education from National Louis University in 1988. Despite his achievements, Larry was incredibly humble. He gave credit to others and used “Dr. Love” only when it might help with a travel or hotel upgrade.

In 1989, Larry and Verna moved to Dallas, TX to enjoy the warmer climate and lower taxes. For over 30 years, they embraced living in Texas; making good friends, attending local events, and traveling frequently (California and Hawaii being favorite destinations). Larry’s biggest joys in life were spending time with family and his four grandsons.

Larry enjoyed reading the newspaper, working around the house, and watching sports. A life-long sports fan, Larry also coached the Bridgewater HS girls’ basketball team at one point and the crew’s baseball team aboard the USS Sicily. Later in his life when he could no longer attend games, Larry kept tabs on the TCU Horned Frogs, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Chicago sports teams on TV.

Coming of age in a bygone era, Larry was dutiful; always working to make sure that things were taken care of properly. He had a lovely unassuming nature mixed with a subtle-yet-sharp sense of humor. He lived his life well, loved his family devotedly, and will be missed sincerely.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Verna, their three sons, Craig, and his wife, Jane, of Arlington Heights, IL, Brian and his wife, Nancy, of Ann Arbor, MI, and Kevin and his wife, Daylene, of Shrewsbury, MA, and his grandsons, John, Ryan, Francisco, and Beni.

Services will be private. Larry will be interred at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.–