Paul M. Burks

Paul M. Burks and June were married in 1962 and resided in El Paso, where they had their only child, Brian. Shortly after, they moved to Houston. From there they lived in Wichita, KS, for 10 years, then in Grand Island, NE, for years. Paul went to North Texas State University, then enlisted in the US Navy, and was stationed in San Diego, CA. He was a commissioned officer. From there he went into the National Guard. After his service to our country, Paul started his long career at General Motors. Paul was the truck and coach district sales manager for GMC trucks, a division of General Motors. Paul had a long career of 33 years at General Motors before retiring back in Texas, residing in Lubbock.

Paul’s favorite hobbies and past times were playing tennis, water sports, hunting, fishing, and riding dirt bikes. He grew up in the piney woods of East Texas, where he had a passion for water skiing, riding dirt bikes, and most other outdoor activities.

He was also a very talented handyman and was never afraid to tackle any kind of challenge, big or small. Paul grew up in the depression on the family farm and learned how to live off the land, and to never throw anything away as it might have a future or alternative use. If someone needed a hose or a certain tool to fix something, there was a saying that chances are Paul could fix it or he had a tool for it.

After Paul retired, he focused his time on tennis and managing real estate in Lubbock. He loved both of these hobbies and did them well into his mid-80s. His son, Brian remembered a time when he pulled up to a residential property to check on his dad and Paul decided that the front yard was not level, and decided to rototill up the whole yard, level it and replant the grass. If a place needed to be fixed, instead of using a traditional ladder, Paul would build his own scaffolding for the project. Although ladders were not out of the question, Brian recalls getting a call from a tenant at an office building who said, “Your 80 year old dad is walking around up on our roof, and we are just a bit concerned.”

Paul was full of life and never wasted a day. He was always active being outside, playing tennis, working on a project, or helping somebody in need.

In his later years, Brian would ask his dad about retirement plans, living arrangements, etc. Paul’s response was, “Who needs it? I’m going to live life, stay busy till the end, and just die at home, that’s it, simple and easy.” Brian would just say that may be wishful thinking, but maybe it will all work out that easy, which by God’s Grace and Mercy, it did.

Paul Burks did life his way and never gave a second thought to critics or the social way of doing things.

He loved his family and always lit up when talking about his two grandchildren, Hannah and Luke Burks. He always asked about them and made sure Brian was receiving all his advice and council on that matter, as well as other unsolicited matters.

Paul’s wishes and hopes were granted by God allowing him to pass away quickly and simply. After the hurt settles and the hearts heal, family and friends will focus on the blessing of that passing and remember all the good times and memories shared.

Survivors include his wife, June Burks of Lubbock, Texas; son, Brian Burks and wife, Jennifer; grandchildren, Hannah Burks, and Luke Burks all of Tyler, Texas.