The man who founded Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Tom Love died this week.
He was 85 and his nationwide firm he started in 1964 released a statement confirming his death.
“Tom Love was a man of conviction who never wavered from the principles of honesty and integrity in the 59 years he spent developing the company he started with his wife, Judy,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s.
He remembered Love as a man who always listened and was sincerely interested in knowing the stories of his employees and customers.
“He wanted to hear their thoughts, ideas and hopes for them, their families and the company. He credited the company’s success to the people who worked for us. He could relate to all employees but had a soft spot for those on the frontline at stores.”
Tom is survived by his wife, Judy, of 62 years, his children: Frank, Greg, Jenny and Laura, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt offered comments to News 9 in Oklahoma City. He called Love an OKC kid who created a success story that stretches from coast to coast.
“Even more important than his business, Tom and his family are ubiquitous in their generosity, and the Love name is synonymous in OKC with philanthropy. Tom’s legacy is one that few can dream of attaining, but his life is testament that it can happen.”
Love’s remains a privately owned company headquartered in Oklahoma City. The chain involves more than 600 truck stop and convenience stores in 42 states in the nation.
