John Richard Lovell

MAJOR JOHN R. LOVELL OBITUARY

September 30, 1983 - December 18, 2024

Though there is an irreplaceable hole in our hearts, we find comfort knowing that John Lovell, a beloved husband, father, son, and brother, returned home to his Heavenly Parents on December 18, 2024. 

John was born on September 30, 1983 to Byron and Cynthia Lovell in Tomball, Texas and grew up in Orangevale, California. After graduating from Casa Robles High School, he earned a BA from Brigham Young University, a DDS from the University of Oklahoma, and an MS in Endodontics from UT San Antonio. 

While attending BYU, John caught the attention of a fellow student, the beautiful Amy Candrian, who was working on-campus in the computer labs. They were married on July 10, 2010 in the Manti Utah Temple. Fulfilling his dreams of becoming a dentist, John was awarded the United States Air Force Dental Health Professionals Scholarship. His first military assignment was at Scott Air Force Base outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Next John was assigned to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as a dentist to active duty personnel. After five wonderful years in Okinawa, the family was transferred to the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where John began specialized training in endodontics. Following this two-year residency, his final military assignment was at Eglin Air Force Base in the sunny beach town of Destin, Florida. In addition to serving as an endodontist in Destin, John also taught graduate dental courses. In total, John proudly served in the Air Force for 11 years, retiring with an honorable discharge in July 2024 with the rank of Major. 

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John served as a missionary in the Brazil Belo Horizonte Mission from 2003-2005, where he learned to speak Portuguese and loved sharing the gospel with the people of Brazil. From ward organist to primary pianist, his incredible musical talents blessed every congregation he attended. 

John’s favorite job of all was being a dad—nothing brought him more joy than his family. He loved cheering on Preston at his baseball games, watching his daughters’ dance recitals, fishing together, and exploring the world with Amy, the most important person in his life and his eternal companion. John is now amongst the angels watching over them until they are reunited again.

While we feel immeasurable sorrow, we are comforted in knowing John is no longer in pain and has returned home to the loving and compassionate embrace of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be remembered not only for his sincere love and kindness for others, but also his subtle humor, sharp wit and playful teasing. 

He is survived by his wife, Amy, and their four children, Preston (12), Gwen (10), Josie (8) and Bridget (7); father and mother Byron and Cynthia Lovell; siblings Chad Lovell, Jeff (Jenna) Lovell, Steven (Lisa) Lovell, Lindsay (Scott) Foley, Julie (Brian) Savage, and Steven Spira; plus many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and wonderful in-laws who all adored John and will miss him dearly. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 4, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Destin, Florida. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the funeral services on Saturday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2025 at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. 

“And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise” (Moroni 7:41).