ALTON — More than six decades after Donald A. Lovell began his career with the Alton Police Department, the department joined his family, friends, former colleagues and community members Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, in Alton to say a final farewell as he was laid to rest.
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Lovell, a former Alton police chief, died Aug. 20, 2026, at age 85. He was honored for decades of service to the Alton Police Department and the people of Alton.
The Alton Police Department extended its deepest condolences to Lovell’s family, friends, former colleagues and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Rest in peace, Chief Lovell,” the department said. “Your service to the Alton Police Department and the people of Alton will not be forgotten."
Lovell was born in Alton on Aug. 25, 1940. His career with the department began in June 1960, when he was appointed as a police cadet.
After completing training and certification, Lovell began serving as a patrolman in 1962. He was promoted to corporal in August 1966 and sergeant in May 1968.
By October 1988, Lovell had risen to the rank of lieutenant. He retired from the Alton Police Department on April 1, 1991, after more than 30 years of service.
Lovell later served as chief of police from April 1997 to May 2002.
On Tuesday evening, Aug. 25, 2026, members of the Alton Police Department stood as an honor guard during Lovell’s visitation, giving current members of the department an opportunity to honor a former leader and pay respect to a man who dedicated decades of his life to law enforcement.
