Gary Love

1951 - 2026

Gary Love

January 4, 1951 - February 7, 2026

Grain Valley, Missouri - Gary D. Love, 75, passed away on Saturday, February 7. He was born on January 4, 1951, to Dena Louise and B. Duane Love. Gary grew up in Independence, MO and graduated from Truman High School in 1969.

Early on, Gary had a tremendous fear of being in front of people. He began playing the trumpet in 7th grade and it was his trumpet playing that helped him conquer this fear. It also began his life-long passion for music. He performed in band and orchestra and played solos at music contest. He took over leadership of the Truman High School Pep Band, which was the beginning of his musical career. Throughout his life, Gary performed in many band and orchestra ensembles, including Liberty Orchestra, Northland Orchestra, CMSU Faculty Brass Quintet, Colorado Brass Band, and several times with the KC Philharmonic. He played many solo events, including hundreds of weddings, solos with bands, the "Star Spangled Banner" for the KC Comets, and TAPS for 1,136 veterans.

At 16, he began sharing his trumpet expertise with others, teaching private lessons to students of all ages. He was always so proud of his students' accomplishments!

Gary earned a Bachelor of Trumpet Performance from Central MO State University (now UCM) in 1973. In 1975, he earned a MO Life Teaching Certificate from William Jewell College so he could teach trumpet/band in public schools. In 1985, he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Trumpet from Western Colorado University.

Gary's first band directing job was in Gallatin, MO (1976-1979). He taught band/orchestra in Independence, MO (1979-1993), and retired as Bandmaster of Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO (2015). During these years of conducting, Gary shared his passion for music with his students. He received many calls from former students thanking him for giving them the "gift of music."

After studying with John Kincaid at Western Colorado University, Gary fell in love with a new type of musical ensemble, the brass band. Gary introduced the Midwest to the new ensemble when he and Jim Oliver, a dear friend, founded the Western Missouri Brass Band. The band performed at regional universities, several concert series, the MO Music Educators Association Conference, and for President Reagan at Santa-Cali-Gon.

During his professional life, Gary was named to "Outstanding Young Men of America," "Who's Who Among America's Teachers," and "Marquis Who's Who in America." He was named "Teacher of the Year" at Wentworth Military Academy, and earned the designation of Registered Music Educator.

Gary met his future wife in the spring of 1973 while attending CMSU. Suzanne Schowengert was "the cute, red-headed saxophone player" who sat on the opposite side of the band. They married in December of 1973 and began sharing their passion for music.

Gary and Suzanne also shared a passion for Colorado. After earning their Master's Degrees at Western State University in Gunnison, they spent every summer enjoying Jeeping, exploring, hiking, cooking out, fishing, and sharing all of this with friends. What a great life!

Gary was known for his sense of humor. He could lighten up a room with his jokes, and he kept his audience guessing about what would come next. Gary's sister-in-law once stated he really "added spice" to the family. His sense of humor continued throughout his life, even on his difficult days.

Gary is survived by Suzanne Love, wife; Pam and George Hudson, sister and brother-in-law; Pam and Sam White, sister-in-law and brother-in-law; nieces/nephews; great nieces/nephews; and his cute, lovable dog CB.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Donations may be sent to: Music Arts Institute, 1010 S. Pearl, Independence, MO 64050.