JD Love honored with street naming in Joplin | KSNF/KODE

JOPLIN, Missouri – A Joplin man who left his mark through decades of community service now has a place in Joplin to claim as his own.

“I am convinced that there is no Keenan Cortez without JD Love. He pioneered and made the things I do today possible because of what he did back then,” said Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez.

Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez is a big fan of JD Love – and he’s not alone.

“When I was born, he had already been on the job for six years – then I had the pleasure of working with him for a few years before he retired,” said JPD Asst. Chief Brian Lewis.

This Juneteenth, dozens of other family members and friends will join them to honor Love’s decades of service.

“I think this is just a great moment for the community. People have come out in full force to support. And I think that’s just a good, uplifting feeling – for someone who deserves it so much,” said Melodee Colbert-Kean, former mayor of Joplin.

Now he is recognized in the neighborhood where he grew up.

Central and McKee host the official unveiling of “JD Love Way.”

“That one day. Every time I think about that day, I will be happy for the rest of my life – because this is something I never expected,” said JD Love, retired police officer.

The naming honors Love and his years of service.

This includes about three decades as a police officer in Joplin, two terms as the county coroner and work as a security guard at St. John’s Hospital.

His supporters point to his legacy for both the African-American community and Joplin as a whole.

“A great example of what it means to be a good citizen of the community,” Cortez said.