City of Joplin to hold street sign unveiling for J.D. Love next week

(City of Joplin) — Joplin’s East Town Dreams District community members are extending a warm invitation to the public for a significant event – a Ribbon Cutting and a street sign unveiling. This event is a tribute to J.D. Love, a Joplin Police Officer, and a lifelong Joplin citizen, for his dedicated service. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, at the corner of Central Avenue and McKee Street.

Love retired in 1993 after serving 28 years with the Joplin Police Department. He grew up in the East Town neighborhood, graduated from Joplin High School, Missouri Southern State College (now University) and served as Jasper County Coroner for two terms following his JPD retirement. He also worked at St. John’s Regional Medical Center for ten years.

The event is being organized by former mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean. She encourages everyone to come out to celebrate a local legend.

“It is wonderful to be able to recognize Mr. J.D. with a well-deserved honor for his dedicated service to the Joplin community,” said Colbert-Kean. “I am ecstatic to see his kindness, stern gentleness, and caring professionalism be recognized and celebrated!”

The ceremonial street naming will highlight J.D. Love Way on street signs along McKee Street, the street where he lived as a young boy. Love’s signs will be added to the existing signs along McKee Street between Central Avenue and 3rd Street as a ceremonial naming. By keeping the McKee Street name, residents will not have to change their address.