Committal
William Anderson Loven (Dick), of Morganton, NC passed away at his home Friday, August 1, 2025. He was born on May 16, 1931 in Burke County to the late Robert Vance Loven and Ellie Dula Loven. Dick was a veteran of the United States Navy. He worked in the construction field for many years, operating heavy equipment and laying pipelines in North and South Carolina. He loved his work and spoke of this often. Dick was owner of Steel Creek Park and Family Campground. He also owned Jonas Ridge Snowtubing. Both businesses suited him as he loved to see families enjoy themselves. Through his business endeavors, thousands of people traveled to Burke County for camping, snowtubing or GNCC racing. Some have even moved to Burke County.
Dick had great vision and determination. He expected his employees and family to work hard and do their best, just as he did alongside them. He had a great love for family and was a selfless individual. Dick was always willing to give to others and help anyway he could. He loved animals and blue grass music. He enjoyed spending time with friends and discussing politics and the news of the day.
Dick is survived by his daughter, Sherry Loven Wakefield (Joey); sister Huldah Loven Story; sister-in-law, Nina Loven; grandchildren, Chelsea Wakefield, Marc Wakefield (Madison); great-grandson, Colton; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Brown Loven; son, Dennis Damon Loven; sisters, Lou Cornelia Key (Marcus), Leah Myers; brother, Sterling Loven.
The family gives special thanks to the caregivers who were in the home with him and made his life meaningful and comfortable.
A Celebration of Dick’s life will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at El Bethel Baptist Church in Morganton with Rev. Justin Cunningham officiating. The family will greet friends following the celebration in the El Bethel fellowship hall. A private family graveside service was held at Burke Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice or El Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for William Anderson Loven (Dick).
Prayers for the family. Such a kind man
My prayers for those left behind. My dad, Lewis Abernathy was a long time friend. We camped many summers at steel creek. Dad passed March 27 this year. He was 93. I have many fun memories at steel creek and listening to him and daddy chat. 🙏🙏🙏
The Wakefield Family - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I always enjoyed talking and having him at pharmacy. He was a decent, kind, good man. Our thoughts and prayers with you and your family. ~ Taral Patel
I am so sorry to only now hearing of the loss of Dick. He was the only person that ever got crub side service. He loved cantaloupe and had to make sure he got 2. We had many short chats me standing beside his truck. Sherry and Joey I am truly sorry. They do not make people like Dick anymore. He will always be remembered by me. Prayers for the entire Steel Creek Campground family.
Uncle Dick will be greatly missed. My girls have enjoyed Steele Creek park their whole lives. Dick is their great uncle on their dad's side. He always allowed them to have the run of the place. We had the privilege of spending many summers in his camper then their Nana's camper after that. He had a good idea and grew it til it was what it is now. We love him and his vision. We will miss you
My heart goes out to the Loven family as they go through a difficult time with the loss of their good and decent father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Dick was special to me, and our friendship lasted 60 years. No one has been kinder and more generous to me than my friend, Dick Loven. He was one of the great ones. Goodbye, but not forgotten. Love you, Dick--Jimmy
