Alton E. Loveless

Alton E. Loveless, 85 of Columbus, formerly Ashville, OH passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Mount Carmel Grove City.  Alton was born on August 10, 1937 to the late Daniel and Mildred (Blair) Loveless in a log house on Blair Rd. in the Glenntown community, eight miles out from Greenbrier, Arkansas. His birth was on a Tuesday night during a thunderstorm.  Dr. Earl Williams of Greenbrier delivered him. The following were present at the birth, Grandma Blair, her sister-in-law Ruth Tucker, neighbor Susie Thomas and Father Daniel Loveless.  The doctor’s fee was $14.00. 

Alton was a Minister/Pastor for 16 years, a National/Regional Marketing Director for Scripture Press Publications to the southern United States and Caribbean Islands for 4 years, Executive Director Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptist Church 1974-1994, Editor of 3 magazines, President of Ohio Bible Institute, Author of 1100 published articles, member of National Sunday School Board for 12 years, Chairman of National Historical Commission for 10 years, member of National Foreign Missions Board for 3 years.  He was the President/CEO of Randall House Publications and the National Sunday School and Church Training Service from January 1, 1994 before retiring August 15, 2002   He preached or was used as a Christian Education consultant in 48 states, 38 foreign countries for 69 different denominations.  He was chosen twice to speak to the national convention of his denomination where he addressed over 8000 people at each gathering.  He has 3 doctoral degrees and numerous business awards.  In his retirement, he created FWB Publications and published books for others as well as his own.   

Besides his parents, Alton is preceded by his wife of 60 years E. Delois (Draby) Loveless in 2018.

Alton is survived by one sister, Glenna Duggar; sons, Randy (Melissa) Loveless of Ashville and Steven (Tammy) Loveless of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Zachery Loveless and Emily (Caleb) Welch of Ashville; Lucas (Hannah) Loveless, Whitney (Timothy) Hawkins, and Rachael (Dakota) Dobbs of Tulsa, OK; great granddaughter Claire Marie Loveless, Miles Tanner Hawkins, and Kit Kathleen Loveless; many church families and friends. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 20th from 4-6 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 6 p.m. at Canaan Land Church FWB, 2777 Gantz Rd. Grove City with Pastor Shawn Beauchamp and Pastor Tim Stout officiating. The family request in lieu of flowers memorials should be made to Canaan Land Church Mortgage Fund. Arrangements by Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, Ashville.  Online condolences at olivercheekfuneralhome.com