Remembered for his service to country, community and family
July 20, 1938 – June 9, 2026
Colonel Francis Leonard “Len” Loving passed away at home on June 9, 2026, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 87 years old.
The eldest child, Len was born on July 20, 1938 in Richmond, Virginia. He attended Southern Benedictine College in Cullman, Alabama, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in business administration in 1960.
Len and his first wife, Ruth, had three children. After Ruth’s passing, Len met and married Suzanne (“Suzie”), who would be his devoted and loving partner for 41 years.
His 30-year military career began following his college graduation, when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He served with distinction, rising to the rank of colonel and completing multiple tours during the Vietnam War, during which he was awarded the Bronze Star with combat “V” for valor. Before he retired in 1989, Len helped organize and stage President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration and establish the United States Marine Corps Blount Island Command.
Following his retirement, Len and Suzie spent time living in Barcelona, Spain, where he served as head of security for the construction of the Hotel Arts, which would house high-profile athletes for the 1992 Olympic Games.
In 2011, Len became the CEO of Five Star Veterans Center – a new organization that was struggling financially. Spearheading the Veterans Helping Veterans project and its Passport to Independence program, Len helped countless homeless veterans move toward positive life choices and independence.
He ran the organization for nearly 15 years, Suzie by his side, in a labor of love that saved and changed lives and fostered multiple friendships.
Len was known by many names by many people – Len, Colonel Loving, Dad, Grandpa and Pop – each denoting a different chapter of a full and extraordinary life. His accomplishments and accolades were many, but he was most defined by his ability to connect with people, to make them feel believed in, seen and supported.
Len is survived by his beloved wife, Suzie; his daughter, Elaine and Susan; and his sons, Walter and Joey.
