Tom Love

Thomas E. Love (October 1937 – March 7, 2023), was an American billionaire businessman. He was the founder, owner, and executive chairman of Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores.

Early life Thomas E. Love was born in Oklahoma City in October 1937, one of six siblings. He was the son of F. C. Love, a lawyer who was later president of the oil company Kerr-McGee, and Margaret Eugenia Vessels Love. He was a descendant of Benjamin Love, who was the official interpreter for the Chickasaw people.

Love attended St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, but left after less than one semester.

Career Initially, Love owned restaurants and car washes, until he discovered an opportunity in abandoned gas stations.

Personal life and death Tom and Judy Love married on December 26, 1961.

Tom Love died in Oklahoma City on March 7, 2023, at age 85. He was posthumously awarded an honorary degree from the University of Oklahoma in May 2024.