Zeb Henry Love

Zeb H. Love, age 87, a long-time Mineola resident, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2011. He was born on Thursday, February 7, 1924, in Ashdown, Arkansas.

Zeb served in the U.S. Army in WWII and started working for the railroad in 1947. During the last 14 years of his career he became known as the conductor of Amtrak's "The Love Train." After a story by Charles Kuralt aired on CBS News, he became the official spokesman for CHAPS Ralph Lauren-U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Whistle Stop Tour, traveling from California to New York City, collecting toys for underprivileged children. After retirement, Zeb played Santa Claus each year for thousands of children at his Santa's Workshop at Lake Brenda in Mineola. Zeb was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award by the Mineola Chamber of Commerce.

Zeb is survived by his wife, Louise; his children, Rick, Mike, Debbie, Gary and David, Debra, Gary and Becky; 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Zeb was preceded in death by his oldest son, Travis.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola from 6 -8 PM.

Funeral services will be held at Beaty Funeral Home's Memorial Chapel in Mineola on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dan Danheim officiating.