Tom Paul

Tom Paul passed away suddenly but peacefully in his Cherokee Village home on May 6, 2022. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 30 years, Laura, his children, Dan (Sharon) Paul, Wendy (Dan) Burnett, Mike (Luz) Paul, Kelly (Kyle) Montgomery, Scott (Cheryl) Paul, Jason (Lisa) Fisher, and his sister, Betty (Don) Buchanan. His much-loved grandchildren include Russelle, Eric, Kirstie,Kenton, Wade, Ben, Caleb, Camren, Conner, Emily, Terri, AJ, Chase, Grace, & several great grandchildren and many close friends who were like family to him. Tom is predeceased by his parents, Milton and Lola Paul, as well as his older sister, Wanda Wieck. Tom Paul was born on July 22, 1936, and grew up on the family farms in Odebolt and Traer, Iowa. Embracing his roots, when he came of age he continued farming his own land and became a pilot. Realizing the importance of community involvement, he found time to hold a seat on the local School Board. He additionally owned a farm in Missouri where he expanded his agricultural skills as a successful cattle rancher. In the 70's, Tom traveled to Cherokee Village to purchase land with his first wife, Jean Paul, then moved here with his family in the early 80's where he took over the Lake Thunderbird Marina from 1986 to the present and met his loving wife and active business partner, Laura. He recognized very quickly the community's need for covered boat storage and built Midlake Marine Storage, including 30 units across from Lake Sequoia which was filled before it even opened, and later bringing boat service & repairs from the Marina to Storage. Popular demand had Tom selling new and used boats from the marina, so he subsequently built and opened Midlake Marine Sales on Hwy 412. Soon after arriving in our area, not only did he concentrate on his businesses, he became an active member of the community, holding a seat on the Cherokee Village City Council. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Tom, especially when children were around. He was beloved by everyone who ever met him. A fantastic father and grandfather, a great husband and a best friend to all walks of life, he became a mentor to many, passing on his knowledge and work ethic which will be carried on for generations. Unknown to many in the community Tom had an extremely generous heart of gold, and was an anonymous benefactor to many organizations in the area, including but not limited to Fountain Place, Highland Schools, Cherokee Village Fire Department, and our annual celebration, "Thunder on Thunderbird", as well as helping those less fortunate when the need arose. In keeping with his personal generosity, he belonged to, and held board positions in local service organizations such as the Kiwanis and the Elks. In his leisure time Tom loved playing tennis and golf. But boating was his biggest passion. For those who may not have been fortunate to have known him personally, you will probably remember the friendly white-haired gentleman on his Lake Thunderbird balcony, waving at the boats as they went through the channel! He loved his lake life, he loved his community, and most of all he loved his family. There will be a Celebration of Life to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom's name to the Cherokee Village Fire Department, 1 Basehart Rd., Cherokee Village, AR 72529
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