Tom Love, Founder Of Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Dies At 85

Tom Love, the founder and executive chair of Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores has died. He was 85.

Love's released the following statement in a press release:

"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. “These tenets still guide our company and will as we move forward. Tom always listened and was sincerely interested in knowing the stories of 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. In many respects, he was an ordinary person who built an extraordinary business alongside his wife Judy and his family, who he loved deeply." 

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.

Tom's family released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather,” said the Love Family. “He loved people, and that was evident in how he guided our family, operated the business he started in 1964 and gave back to our community and organizations across the country that serve others. He was always committed to helping others succeed and opening the door for leaders, including his children and grandchildren, and we look forward to building upon his legacy. While the grief we feel is unmeasurable, we celebrate his life and will continue his legacy of living a life filled with integrity, honesty and faith.”

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt discussed Tom's legacy in the following statement:

“Today, we mourn the loss of Tom 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. Tom will be deeply missed by the people of Oklahoma City, and on their behalf, I send our deepest condolences to Judy and the entire Love family.”