Thomas Marvin Loven

Master teacher, mentor, and loving father passed away peacefully at age 61 on December 11, 2005, surrounded by his family at home. Thom had waged an inspirational and valiant fight against pancreatic cancer and did so with unbound meekness, unrelenting optimism, and a captivating smile and kind words for all. He left the world around him a better place because he cared about others unselfishly. He was a devoted and gentle-spirited husband, father, grandfather, and great-grand- father. Born on June 8, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minn., he was preceded in death by an infant son, Samuel Loven his sister, Nancy Johnson his parents, Marvin and Irene Loven, who served as foster parents and blessed Thom with over 50 foster brothers and sisters during his childhood. Since 1966, Thom has been involved in education as a professional. As a teacher, he challenged and motivated students to reach beyond themselves to find new and exciting ways to make every day "a great day to be alive!" His passion and enthusiasm for teaching continues to serve as a model for those who have had the opportunity to know and work with him. Students often comment, "Mr. Loven is the most effective teacher I have ever had. I wish I had learned these things years ago." During his 18 years in the classroom, Thom was honored as Instructor of the Year at three educational institutions where he taught: Springfield College, Springfield, Mo. Katherine Gibbs, Bost, Mass. and SanfordBrown College, St. Louis, Mo. He was also selected as the 2005 Instructor of the Year for the Missouri Association of Private Career Schools. He received numerous awards and tributes from his students throughout his educational career. He served as Business Department Chair, Master Teacher/Mentor, Phi Beta Lamda sponsor, Student Government faculty advisor, chairperson for numerous academic and administrative committees. However, his favorite role was that of Santa Claus for the students' children. Prior to teaching, Thom's ministry included service as the National Secretary of Education for the General Council of the Assemblies of God for 12 years and pastoral service for 8 years. He was active in Bible quiz competitions, publishing, and writing Christian education-related materials. Thom eared his Bachelor of Arts degree from North Central University, Minneapolis, Minn., and received a Master of Business Administration from American Intercontinental University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He also completed graduate work in education at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and Southwest Missouri State University. Community service for Thom included Junior Achievement leader and board member, Special Olympics volunteer and administrator, and an active member of the Springfield Host Lions Club for over 20 years. He served as chaplain, secretary, treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Host Lions Club. He received the prestigious and coveted Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian services from the Lions Club International Foundation. Thom volunteered for fundraising activities for numerous local and national charitable foundations. He gave generously of his time, talents, and financial support. Thom is survived by his wife of 19 years, Barbara (Denham), whom he loved dearly his three children who were an endless source of joy to him: Dayton Loven and Holly (Bergman), and grandchildren, Graham and Gavin, of Springfield, Mo. Amy Balog (Robinson) and Michael and grandchildren, Jack and Madeline, of Aurora, Ill. Cabot Robinson and Melissa (Hook), of New Baltimore, Mich., and grandchildren, Justin Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, and Ashlea, as well as the great-grandchildren, Skylee Johnson and Jessa Johnson, of Sulphur, Okla. He is also survived by his sister, Karen and Edwin Engelking, of Rosemount, Minn. brother-in-law, Dale Denham and wife, Rosalie a large family of loving aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, as well as innumerable special friends. The family is most grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and care given by Dr. R. William Morris and his staff of St. Louis Oncology the compassion and kindness of the 8B floor nurses, the Home Healthcare nurses, and the Hospice team of St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Louis, but most importantly for their warmth and caring attitude for Thom and family member during this most difficult of life's journeys. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. today, in the Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood, Mo. Another visitation will be held Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 10 a.m. in the White Chapel in Springfield, Mo. Interment in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Special Olympics of Southwest Missouri.