John Robert Love, formerly of Marion

John Robert Love, 66, of Abbeville, Louisiana, died Monday, Sept. 2, 2019 while tending to the outdoor recreational haven he created and nurtured in Grosse Tete, Louisiana.

Born June 21, 1953, in Marion, "Bob" was a devout Catholic and a dedicated husband, father, son, and brother as well as a career-long servant of the great state of Louisiana as an employee of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

His crowning professional achievement was leading the reintroduction of the whooping crane to Louisiana. For his efforts, he won the 2014 Governor's Award for Conservationist of the Year.

During his career he also proudly represented the Wild Turkey Federation, LSU Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries Alumni Association, the Wildlife Society and LA Professional Biologist Association.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle Love; son, Benjamin (Jennifer) Love; son, Lucas (Cathy) Love; stepsons, Brent (Lindsey) Goodyear and Andrew Goodyear; brother, Tom (Sue) Love; brother, Richard Love; sister, Donna (Dan) Miley; sister, Kathie (Charley) Banks; sister, Mary Beth (Andrew) Schwerdtfeger; granddaughter, Chloe Rodriguez; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Sam Love and his wife Carla; and his mother, Delores Spees and her husband Durward.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret St., Abbeville. He was laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery.