Through his various careers as a pastor, politician, broadcaster, musician and educator, Robert Loveless relied on a strong moral compass to guide his choices and an unflappable sense of humor to cope with difficult times.

Loveless, 87, died March 31 following a brief illness.

His aptitude for music was apparent early on when he wrote the Wheaton College (Ill.) fight song while still an undergraduate.

After a stint in the Air Force, Loveless earned a master's degree in theology from Wheaton, then moved to Honolulu in 1948 to assume the pastorate of Kaimuki Bible Training School.

Over the next several decades, Loveless would share his beliefs in family, church and community as president of the Honolulu Christian College, state Board of Education member and radio broadcaster.

From 1969 to 1974, Loveless served as director of Model Cities under Mayor Frank Fasi, a difficult job eased by his own sense of balance and compromise.

"It was tough because, just like in church, he had to deal with different people's needs and wants," said son Dave Loveless. "But he was able to balance them because he really wanted to help people and communities that were struggling."

Loveless later served as program executive for the Oahu Association of the United Church of Christ, as a teacher and chaplain at Mid-Pacific Institute, and a pastoral associate ministering to homebound and senior members of the First Chinese Church of Christ in Hawaii.

Loveless is survived by wife, Barbara; brother, Wendell; children, Dave, Bob, Debbie, Ruth and Jon; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A service is scheduled for Thursday at Borthwick Mortuary Chapel, with public viewing a 6 p.m. and service at 7. Aloha attire is requested; no flowers or monetary gifts.