Jeff Lovell

Jeff Lovell was born in Kankakee, Illinois on February 15, 1965, to Leonard Lovell and Catherine Fritz Lovell, joining older siblings Greg and Debra and soon to be followed by Cristine, Matthew, and Tina. Jeff spent part of his childhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, coinciding with the Big Red Machine which would bring any small boy great joy. He later moved with his family to Kentland, Indiana, when his father took on the family business, the Nu-Joy Restaurant, a regional institution. Jeff graduated from South Newton High School in Kentland and went on to earn a degree in mathematics from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. He met Debby Elliott while in school there, and they married in 1988, settling in Indianapolis. They have one child, Kira, born in 1998. Jeff began his career as a computer programmer with Alverno Information Services, before working for Analysts International and then Eli Lilly and Company. Jeff also volunteered at and worked part time for Conner Prairie’s museum theater program in Fishers, Indiana. He would give you his 1880s snake oil pitch at the drop of a hat! A position with UMSL brought him to St. Louis. He later worked for Washington University in St. Louis and had just retired from Maryville University. Jeff looked forward to spending time gardening; he volunteered at the Missouri Botanical Garden regularly. He enjoyed biking, cooking, gaming, and traveling. Jeff was a familiar face in community theater productions, especially at Act Two Theatre, Clayton Community Theatre, St. Louis Shakespeare, the Theatre Guild of Webster Groves, and the West End Players Guild. Jeff passed away on August 31, 2024, after being struck by a car while cycling. Jeff is fondly remembered by friends and family alike for his sense of humor (Monty Python), his willingness to share his talents (knitting, music, word games, etc.), and his banana muffins (legendary). Jeff had a positive and lasting impact on many people’s lives and will be greatly missed. In addition to his wife Debby and daughter Kira, Jeff is survived by his mother Catherine Lovell, brothers Greg (Melissa) and Matt Lovell, sisters Debra (Jack) Lovell, Cris (Mike) Spangler, and Tina Lovell, and niblings Kirby Spangler, Jordyn Spangler Farrell, Grant Spangler, Adam Lovell, and Scott Lovell. Please honor Jeff’s memory by seeing a play and hugging the people you love. A celebration of life is planned for 1:00 pm on November 16 at Clayton Community Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road in Clayton, Missouri.

Jeff Lovell

February 15, 1965 - August 31, 2024