A Lifetime Of Giving.
A Legacy That Lives On.
For decades, Tom and Judy Love quietly invested in people, communities, and causes that strengthen lives. Today, the Tom and Judy Love Foundation continues that commitment, carrying their values forward to create lasting impact for generations to come.
Improving lives across Oklahoma by enhancing health care, strengthening Catholic services, and helping youth thrive.
The Tom and Judy Love Foundation is an Oklahoma-based, private family foundation supporting local non-profit organizations working diligently in our three primary focal areas. If your work aligns with our mission, we encourage you to submit an application for consideration by our Board of Directors.
Health
Providing capital and programmatic investments to organizations improving the health of Oklahomans.
Catholic Services
Supporting Catholic-based ministries and organizations fostering the local Catholic community.
Youth
Improving the lives, education and well-being of our state’s young people.
A Legacy of Giving
Improving lives across Oklahoma by enhancing health care, strengthening Catholic services, and helping youth thrive.
In 1964, Tom and Judy leased their first service station in Watonga, Oklahoma. What began as a single location grew steadily through the decades. Through Tom’s entrepreneurial vision and Judy’s financial acumen, that one store became the foundation for Love’s Travel Stops, a network of more than 660 locations across 42 states. Along the way, Tom’s innovative approach to “highway hospitality” helped transform the business from a simple fueling stop into a trusted destination for travelers across the country.
For more than 60 years, their belief in helping others succeed shaped not only the way they built their business, but also the way they approached philanthropy – with generosity, humility, and a deep commitment to strengthening the communities around them.
Tom E. Love
1937 – 2023
Born in 1937 in Oklahoma City, Tom Love’s early life was rooted in the values of family, service and perseverance. He attended St. Gregory’s...
Born in 1937 in Oklahoma City, Tom Love’s early life was rooted in the values of family, service and perseverance. He attended St. Gregory’s Preparatory School and St. John’s University before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954. In 1960, Tom married Judy McCarthy and together they had four children, three of whom still lead the company they built.
Tom was a trailblazer in the travel stop industry. Renowned for his innovative vision, in the early 1970s he pioneered the concept of combining self-service gasoline with convenience store items like bread and milk. As customers' needs evolved, Tom continued to expand Love’s offerings to include amenities like quick-service restaurants and truck care. His keen sense for adapting to market changes along with his commitment to customer service propelled Love’s to an industry leader, redefining what travelers would come to expect on the road.
Accolades
- Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee (2000)
- Chickasaw Hall of Fame inductee (2019)
- Trust Guardian Transportation Award (2014)
- Oklahoma's Most Admired CEO (2010)
President's Award for Service to God and Country (1996)
Judy Love
1937 – 2024
Born in 1937 in Chicago, Judy was the daughter of Ed and Ruth McCarthy. Her family relocated to Oklahoma City in 1942...
Born in 1937 in Chicago, Judy was the daughter of Ed and Ruth McCarthy. Her family relocated to Oklahoma City in 1942, where her father worked as a district manager in outdoor advertising. Judy graduated from Bishop McGuiness High School and Central Catholic High School.
While attending Oklahoma State University in 1956, she met Tom Love and they married on December 26, 1960. Together, they leased an abandoned service station in Watonga in 1964, which grew to 40 stores in eight years. From these beginnings, the Love’s Family of Companies was started. Skilled in finance, Judy managed the company's accounts and worked from their home. After stepping back from work at Love's in 1975, she pursued her deep interest for interior design. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Oklahoma in 1981, followed by a master's and later established her own design firm.
Accolades
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Oklahoma City University (2021)
- Distinguished Woman Award, Oklahoma City University (2021)
- Lifetime Servant Leadership Award, Oklahoma City University (2021)
- Oklahoma Mother of the Year, American Mothers (2020)
- Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee (2010)
- Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction (2004)
- Outstanding Philanthropist Award, OKC Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals (1999)
- Notre Dame Club Woman of the Year for Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is deeply grateful for the enduring generosity of the Love family. Most importantly, their giving reflects a deep belief in the potential of our students – empowering them to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference for Oklahoma and beyond.”
JOSEPH HARROZ, JR.
President, University of Oklahoma
Born in 1937 in Oklahoma City, Tom Love’s early life was rooted in the values of family, service and perseverance. He attended St. Gregory’s Preparatory School and St. John’s University before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954. In 1960, Tom married Judy McCarthy and together they had four children, three of whom still lead the company they built.
Tom was a trailblazer in the travel stop industry. Renowned for his innovative vision, in the early 1970s he pioneered the concept of combining self-service gasoline with convenience store items like bread and milk. As customers' needs evolved, Tom continued to expand Love’s offerings to include amenities like quick-service restaurants and truck care. His keen sense for adapting to market changes along with his commitment to customer service propelled Love’s to an industry leader, redefining what travelers would come to expect on the road.
Accolades
- Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee (2000)
- Chickasaw Hall of Fame inductee (2019)
- Trust Guardian Transportation Award (2014)
- Oklahoma's Most Admired CEO (2010)
President's Award for Service to God and Country (1996)
Born in 1937 in Chicago, Judy was the daughter of Ed and Ruth McCarthy. Her family relocated to Oklahoma City in 1942, where her father worked as a district manager in outdoor advertising. Judy graduated from Bishop McGuiness High School and Central Catholic High School.
While attending Oklahoma State University in 1956, she met Tom Love and they married on December 26, 1960. Together, they leased an abandoned service station in Watonga in 1964, which grew to 40 stores in eight years. From these beginnings, the Love’s Family of Companies was started. Skilled in finance, Judy managed the company's accounts and worked from their home. After stepping back from work at Love's in 1975, she pursued her deep interest for interior design. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Oklahoma in 1981, followed by a master's and later established her own design firm.
Accolades
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Oklahoma City University (2021)
- Distinguished Woman Award, Oklahoma City University (2021)
- Lifetime Servant Leadership Award, Oklahoma City University (2021)
- Oklahoma Mother of the Year, American Mothers (2020)
- Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee (2010)
- Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction (2004)
- Outstanding Philanthropist Award, OKC Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals (1999)
- Notre Dame Club Woman of the Year for Oklahoma