William "Willie" Lee Love passed away on February 16, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States. He was born on August 23, 1939, to Walsh Love and Luvenia Watkins.

In 1971 Pastor Love experience a New Birth, he accepted Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Saviour.

In 1975 he accepted the call, by God, to Preach the Gospel.

In 1976 he was Ordained at The New Light Baptist Church, Marion, IN, under the leadership of Pastor John Speikes. There he served as Assistant to the Pastor Deacon, President of the choir and Teacher of the New Members class.

Pastor Willie F. Love later joined The Greater Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor, Dr. JD Williams, where he as Assistant to the Pastor where he served, Superintendent of Sunday School, Usher Advisor , Assistant Teacher for The Minister Class, Teacher for the New Members and Brotherhood Class.

1982- 1985 Pastor Love carried on (due to illness) for Pastor Richard Washington at Rock of Ages Baptist Church, Marion. There he Preached, and taught Bible class.

In August of 1985 Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church was organized and Pastor Love was called to Pastor.

1990-2001 Pastor Love served as 1st Vice Moderator of The Northeastern Baptist Association, under the late Dr. FS Kemper.

2001-2008 Pastor Love served as Moderator of The Northeastern General Baptist Association, which built a Church in Africa. Among other things.

Doctor Love studied 3 years at Indiana Christian University , Indianapolis, IN, Correspondence courses from Moody Bible college, Chicago ILL, a diploma in Christian Theology from Central Baptist Theological Seminary ,Indiana, IN, Batchelor of Theology from International Seminary, Plymouth, FL , and Conferred An Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree.

Doctor Love worked at many jobs Marion Malleable and Iron works ,Marion street department , drove trucks for a trucking company, worked for Marion General Motors, sold shoes for Stuart McGuire , and his love as an Insurance Agent for over forty years. There was no job that he couldn't handle. His most important job, which was one that he loved was Pastor, Teacher to the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church for 38 and a half years.

Pastor love leaves behind to cherish his memory his Sons Ray Love, of Marion, Richard Love, Fort Wayne, Willie Love Jr., Marion, Greg Love of Iowa Park, Texas, James Love, Indianapolis, Daughter, Syliva Love of Marion. 14 Grandchildren, 12 Great-Grand Children, and 1 Great Great-Grand Child. Host of Neices, Nephews, and Cousins. A special Friend Patricia Ann Freeman, His Morning Star Church Family, and his Host of Pastor and Minister Friends.

Pastor Love was preceded in death by his parents, Son Joseph Barber, Grandchildren, Trey 'Quan McClung and Mya Love, Great-grand child A'Kyria Akins, Brother Walsh Love Jr. Sisters Emma Hunter, and Julia Preston.

2 Timothy 2:4 I have fought a good fight, I have finish my course, I have keep the faith.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at St. Paul Baptist Church 1204 W. 14th street, Marion, IN at 12:00 noon.

Calling hours will be on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Morning Star M. B. Church 1612 W. 7th Street, Marion, IN 46953 from 5 – 8pm

Saturday at St. Paul Baptist Church, 1204 W. 14th Street, Marion, IN from 10-12 noon.

Services Entrusted to Gholar & Gholar Funeral Services, 526 S. McClure, Street Marion, IN,

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. May he rest in peace.