Tom Love, the billionaire founder of Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, passed away on March 7, 2023, at the age of 85. He died in his hometown of Oklahoma City after an extended illness, according to a statement released by his company. The exact cause of his death was not disclosed by his family, who said they were deeply saddened by his loss.
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From a Gas Station to a National Chain
Tom Love was born in Oklahoma City in October 1937, one of six siblings. He was the son of F. C. Love, a lawyer who later became the president of the oil company Kerr-McGee, according to Wikipedia. He was also a descendant of two Chickasaw families who were forced to participate in the Trail of Tears.
He attended St. Gregory’s High School in Shawnee, where he was a standout football player. He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps and rose to the rank of corporal. After leaving the Marines, he married Judy Love and decided to try college once more. He dropped out of the University of Oklahoma in 1964.
Initially, Love owned restaurants and car washes, until he discovered an opportunity in abandoned gas stations. In January 1964, he and his wife leased a self-service gas station in Watonga, Oklahoma, for $5,000. They went on to open another 30 gas stations. Then in 1971, he decided to merge self-service gas stations with convenience stores and the business continued to grow.
Today, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is a national chain with more than 600 locations in 42 states. It has more than 39,000 employees and offers services such as truck maintenance, roadside assistance, and showers for professional truck drivers and other motorists. The company is known for its red and yellow heart logo and its motto “Clean Places, Friendly Faces”. It was worth $9.7 billion in 2022, according to Forbes.
A Family Business and a Philanthropic Force
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores remains a family-owned business. Three of Tom and Judy Love’s four children work for the company. Frank Love and Greg Love are co-CEOs, and Jenny Love Meyer is the vice president of communications. Judy Love is secretary of Love’s Travel Stops and president of Love’s Family Foundation.
The Loves are also known for their philanthropic efforts in Oklahoma and beyond. They have donated millions of dollars to various causes, such as education, health care, arts, sports, and civic projects. They have supported institutions such as Oklahoma City University, SSM Health Care, St. Anthony Foundation, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Civic Center Music Hall, Allied Arts, Community Foundation, and University of Central Oklahoma Foundation.
Tom Love was also a sports enthusiast and a sponsor of several teams and events. He was a fan of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder and NASCAR Cup Series cars. His company’s logo was featured on the jerseys and vehicles of these teams.
A Legacy of Integrity, Honesty, and Faith
Tom Love was widely respected and admired for his entrepreneurial spirit and his values. He was described as an ordinary person who built an extraordinary business alongside his wife and family. He lived a life filled with integrity, honesty, and faith.
He is survived by his wife, four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services were not announced by his family.
Tom Love’s death is a huge loss for his family, his company, and his community. He will be remembered as a visionary leader who created a successful business empire that serves millions of customers across the country. He will also be remembered as a generous benefactor who made a positive impact on many lives through his charitable giving. He left behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
