Tom Love, founder of Love's Travel Stops, dead at age 85

Tom Love, founder of the family-owned Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, died early Tuesday after an extended illness at age 85.

Love and his wife, Judy, started Love’s Travel Stops in 1964 when they leased a a gas station in Watonga. By the mid-1970s, they had pioneered the idea of offering groceries and other services at their travel stops.

Shane Wharton, president of Love’s, described Love as a man of conviction who never wavered from the principles of honesty and integrity. He said Love constantly took interest in the stories, thoughts and ideas of his customers and employees.

“He credited the company’s success to the people who worked for us,” Wharton said. “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 Love, founder of Love's Travel Stops, dies at age 85

 

Mr. Love leased a gas station in 1964. Amazing story.