Tulsa lost one of its most distinctive voices and influential business leaders with the passing of Burt Holmes on January 15, 2025. As co-founder of QuikTrip Corporation and founding Board Director of First Oklahoma Bank and First Oklahoma Holdings, Holmes left an indelible mark on Tulsa’s business landscape that extends far beyond state lines.

Holmes, along with the late Chester Cadieux, established QuikTrip in 1958, laying the foundation for what would become one of the nation’s most successful convenience store chains, known for its innovative business practices and exceptional customer service. This early entrepreneurial success set the stage for a remarkable business career that would span decades and touch numerous industries.

Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering directness, Holmes was a pioneering force in Tulsa’s business community. As founder of The Holmes Organisation, a successful insurance firm which he sold in 1998, he continued to demonstrate his business acumen throughout his career. His entrepreneurial ventures expanded significantly over the years, co-founding several prominent companies including Leaders Life Insurance Co., American Institute of Medical Technology, and National Occupational Health Services.

Holmes’s extensive community involvement included leadership positions in numerous cultural and charitable organizations. He served in key roles with the Tulsa Botanic Garden, University of Tulsa Board of Trustees, Gilcrease Museum Association, TU Alumni Association, Family and Children’s Services, Tulsa Philharmonic, Palmer Drug Abuse Program, Thornton Family Y, Phillips Theological Seminary, and the Greenwood Cultural Center. Through these roles, he helped shape Tulsa’s cultural and social landscape.

Known for his candid approach to both business and civic engagement, Holmes was renowned for his forthright communication style. Those who worked with him appreciated his transparent approach to decision-making and his clear articulation of positions on various issues. Perhaps most memorably, Holmes was known for his bold participation in public discourse, particularly during election seasons. His full-page political ads in the Tulsa World became talking points throughout the community, sparking conversations and debate.

The lobby of First Oklahoma Bank’s Jenks Headquarters is named the Burt B. Holmes Fine Art Gallery, in recognition of the great affinity Burt had for works of art.