Larger than life, a gambler and ultimate businessman were words used to describe Paul Hudiburg, founder of the car dealership empire that ultimately reached throughout the Southwest.

Hudiburg, 88, died Feb. 13 at his Edmond home. A memorial service was held Feb. 17 at Rose State College’s Performing Arts Center as hundreds of friends and colleagues paid their final respects. He was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City.

Memorial service celebrant Glenda Stansbury told the audience that Hudiburg took chances, was never afraid, was filled with hope and always prepared for success.

“His loss leaves a larger than life hole in your heart,” she said.

Stansbury said Hudiburg came from a humble background, but worked hard to achieve an “influential and important career” that allowed him to build an automobile dealership empire that spanned Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas.

“He had more than 30 dealerships at one time and he always did it the ‘Hudiburg’ way,” she said, referring to a well-known slogan used in the company’s advertising.

In 1945, — then 22 years old — went to his bank to make a loan payment. While there, the bank president’s secretary told Hudiburg her boss would like to see him. The bank president, H.B. Henson, proceeded to ask Hudiburg if he would like to own an automobile dealership. As the story goes, Hudiburg replied that he had no money, but the bank president assured him the bank would back him in the business deal.

“And, as they say, the rest is history,” Stansbury told the audience.

MAJOR PLAYER

Born in 1922, Hudiburg opened his Midwest City dealership in 1957 and continued to play a major role in the city’s development, former state Sen. Dave Herbert said. He was a guest speaker at the service.

“In my eyes, Paul was larger than life. Paul was a rare breed,” Herbert said. “He was one of the men I call the ‘Eagles’ of Midwest City.”

Herbert said men such as Hudiburg, H.B. Atkinson, Bill Atkinson and Oscar Rose played vital roles as the city grew and expanded.

“He knew what he wanted and went after it with all the grit and determination he could. He was a true icon in the auto industry,” Herbert said.

Herbert briefly mentioned some of the Las Vegas trips he took with Hudiburg and recalled his many visits to the Hudiburg home.

Another former state senator, Jim Howell, also spoke at the service and recalled the first two cars he purchased from Hudiburg dealerships.

“I bought my first car from Paul when he had his dealership in Prague. It was a 1957 Chevy. I bought my second car from Paul at the Midwest City dealership,” he said.

Howell also talked about Hudiburg’s generosity and his keen business sense.

“Years ago, Paul contributed money to Rose State. The state matched that amount and today, there is $242,000 in an endowment fund that helps students go to college,” he said. “He was also one of the best businessmen I ever met. He was perceptive and had the uncanny ability to make good business decisions. Paul Hudiburg is a part of Midwest City and the state of Oklahoma. He shook hands with history.”

During the service, Hudiburg was described on more than one occasion as a gambler who “took that gambling spirit into his business.”

Prior to the establishment of his first Chevrolet dealership, Hudiburg was a farmer and worked in the shipyards during World War II. Following the war, he became a Case Tractor dealer and also sold Kaiser- Fraiser automobiles.

Hudiburg, one of nine siblings, married Jean Biehl in 1942. Together, they had five children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The Hudiburg family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Hudiburg Endowment for Student Services at Rose State College. The endowment serves at-risk high school students in the Mid-Del area and encourages them to continue their education. Donations may also be made to The Children’s Medical Research Institute, 800 Research Parkway, Suite 150, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104.