Bud Belz

Bud Belz, 89, a beloved figure in Oklahoma City, passed away April 10, 2025, at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. Loved as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and golf partner, Bud was respected as a keen businessman who built and expanded numerous companies.

Born March 6, 1936, in Oaklawn, Illinois, to Frank and Cleo Belz, he experienced a circle of love with his parents, twin brother, and sister. Using his athletic prowess, he earned a wrestling scholarship to college and ended up being a vital part of the 1962-1963 National Wrestling Championship team at the University of Oklahoma.

He took great pride in his 4-year term of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, and it was some of his happiest years as he got to serve shoulder to shoulder with his twin brother, Bob.

After graduating from college, Bud attacked business with the same energy and attitude that he used in his athletic years. During the next decade, he started as a salesman with Travelers Motor Club and quickly rose to the position of President. Using that knowledge and experience, Bud launched his own company, The Auto Club of America, in 1976. During the following years, he touched and enhanced the lives of so many people he encountered, many of whom stayed close friends for decades. In 2000, he sold Auto Club of America and started a business as a private sales consultant, a role in which he excelled.

In 1975, he met and married Jo Carol, who remained at his side over the next 50 years. Throughout his life, Bud maintained his love of family, always staying close to his parents and siblings, and building his own family circle of three sons, one daughter, and the wonderful family of their spouses, children, and grandchild.

Bud further spiced his love of family and business with a love of golf and education; rare was the trip that did not include a round of golf. He practiced almost daily at Quail Creek Country Club, whether rain, snow or sunshine. Additionally, he took on the role of educator as he taught business courses at Oklahoma City Community College.

Bud’s positive view of life, his adoration of his wife Carol, and his immense love of his children, grandchildren, and great grandson will be missed by everyone he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of the home; son Eddie, daughter-in-law Shelly, grandson Joshua, granddaughter Emily and her husband Hunter, and great grandson, Jefferson all of Oklahoma City; daughter Kim, son-in-law Jim of Louisville, KY and grandsons Sam of Asheville, NC and Ryan of Washington, DC; son Todd, daughter-in-law Laurie, granddaughter Hannah and her husband Alex and grandson Brian and his fiancé Kelsi all of Colorado; son Joe, daughter-in-law Melissa and grandson Derek all of Naples, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to Hockey Ministries International, 108 Shelton Place, Edmond, OK 73034. HMI ministers of the OU Sooners hockey team.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.