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Paul Thomas (Tom) Lurk, 74, of Donna, Texas, Passed away on July 9, 2026.
He was born Aug. 24, 1951, in Temple, Texas, and grew up in Perryville, Mo. He spent his career with Chrysler, where, in 1996, he met Christi, and from that point on, the two were inseparable, making their home together in Belle. They married in 2003, and Tom spent the next 23 years loving her well.
Tom loved to fish, cruise on the pontoon boat, and hit the road in the RV. He was happiest outdoors, whether camping, gardening, or traveling, and he never turned down a good game of Farkle or a word puzzle. He and Christi loved volunteering together, and Tom was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. When they eventually made their home in Donna, Texas, he found his happy place: sunshine every day and plants to tend every morning.
In 2005, Tom and Christi traveled to Bayou La Batre, Ala., to help with Hurricane Katrina relief. They went to serve others, but it was Tom’s life that changed. It was there that he gave his life to Jesus, and Christi soon followed. His legacy of faith started with a single yes in a small Alabama town. That yes has already rippled through the lives of many, and it will go on changing generations to come.
In 2006, Tom and Christi visited Branson, for Christmas vacation and fell in love with the church they visited there. Not long after, they sold everything and moved. Branson was home until they moved to Texas full-time in 2025. During their years in Branson, Tom and Christi worked concessions at the Clay Cooper Theatre for nearly a decade, where Tom became affectionately known as the nut guy.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Ron and Sarah Lurk, son, Jason and his beloved dog, Lucy.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Christi (Woolley) Lurk; son, Ryan (Kristen) Lurk of Perryville; daughter, Sundi Jo Graham of Branson; sister, Ronna (Darrell) Stortz of Perryville; mother-in-law, Virginia Woolley of Belle; grandsons Lex, Ethan, and Vincent, and granddaughter Genevieve, all of Perryville; nephew Kyle (Jill) Stortz of Patton; and niece Sarah (Laban) Petzoldt of Perryville. He also leaves behind special friends Stacy, Jammie, and Jackson Fielder of Branson, and Dan and Renee Tomes of Donna, Texas.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 18, 10:00 a.m. at the Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christian Action Ministries in Branson.
