Dan Love

Surrounded by his loving and devoted family, broadcasting pioneer and city leader Marvin “Dan” Love died peacefully in the care of hospice at the age of 88 years old. Dan Love was born on September 22, 1929 to Marvin and Thelma Johnson Love of Dallas. Texas. The oldest of three children, he attended Dallas Public schools, graduating from Sunset High in 1947. A born leader and achiever, Dan Excelled in school, served as a Captain of the ROTC and was named one of the top 6 dramatic performers in the state his senior year.

Dan attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1952 with a degree in fine Arts and a minor in Broadcasting. The latter would become his first life’s work, in which there were many firsts. Blessed with savvy, magnetism and an undeniably distinctive and commanding voice, he began his career as a college sophomore at KTBC radio as the Voice of Austin and after graduation moved on to host the ever-popular Darrel Royal show. Ambitious and well-liked, he caught the attention of station owner Lyndon Baines Johnson, who brought him along as the first evening newscaster for the premier television outlet in Austin, KTBC channel 7. Years later, he became the first to take on LBJs domination of the airwaves when he opened the first NBC affiliate in town, KHFI, Channel 42 where he served as General Manager from 1965-1974.

Dan’s name ID and personal charisma made him a natural for politics and contributed to his landslide election to the Austin City Council in 1971. In 1973 he won re-election by the largest margin to date and served as Mayor Pro-Tem for both terms. A public struggle with alcoholism resulted in a break from broadcasting and an exit from politics while ushering in a life-altering period of reflection and self-examination. He married Joyce Atkinson in 1981 and with her support, his faith in God and the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, he would find sobriety and ultimate redemption through personal service to others suffering from addiction, voluntary service as board member to several treatment facilities and by helping to develop some of the associated services that are still provided by the City of Austin today. He worked in the bourgeoning field of Drug and Alcohol Treatment from 1988-1995. Dan had 43 years of sobriety at the time of his death.

In 1989 Dan returned to school and in 1995 he earned a Master’s Degree in Communications from Texas State University in San Marcos at the age of 65. He taught at a number of 2 year colleges before accepting a position at Texas State where the student body bestowed upon him the Golden Apple (Teacher of the Year) award on numerous occasions. The yearly speech competition that Dan developed and coordinated is still held in his name. He retired from teaching at the age of 83.

Dan was always an active member of his church. He contributed his time and in many ways, most notably as guest speaker and bible-study leader. At the time of his death he was an active member of Bastrop’s Calvary Baptist church.

Though a humble servant of God who treated all with fairness and compassion, Dan commanded an unintended respect from all who knew and loved him. He was known as a man of intelligence, wit, integrity and fairness who was guided by his faith, motivated by love of family and inspired by the love of God... While here, he left an unalterable mark on all of us and in so doing, made the world a better place. He will be remembered always and forever missed.

Dan is preceded in death by his son John Anthony and survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Joyce, to whom he remained greatly devoted; children Noel, Paul (Janis) Claire, Daniel, Mary (Dennis) and Alison; grandchildren Jonathon, Matthew, Jori, Karl, Savanna, and Paul; great-grandchildren Garret, Sutton and Gabrielle and sisters Sue Goodnight and Faye Wheeler.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, October 21 2017 at 1pm at Bastrop's Calvary Church, 3005 TX-150 Loop, Bastrop, Texas. Honorary pallbearers will be sons Noel Love, Paul Love and Daniel Love and nephews Danny Bailey, Doug Bailey and Randy Wheeler. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Christopher House Hospice in Austin. Arrangements and care are entrusted to Elgin Funeral Home.

Interment is Private

Reverend Logan Cummings Officiating