Roll Call Tribute

Leon Morris "Lonnie" Lurie 

January 23, 1935 - October 31, 2024 

Leon Morris Lurie died in the early morning hours on October 31, 2024 at Sunrise Senior Living in Fort Worth, Texas. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Jana Thomson and Allyson Sprinkle. Leon lost his beloved wife Harriet, in February 2020 after almost 65 years of marriage. He was laid to rest next to Harriet on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Mt. Sinai Cemetery in Texarkana, Texas.

Leon (Lonnie) was born and raised in Texarkana, Texas. He was the only child of Julius and Helen Lurie. While living in Texarkana, Lonnie and his parents were members of the Mt. Sinai Temple Congregation where he remained a member until the permanent closing of the Temple in May 2014.

Shortly after his father’s death, Lonnie, age 11 moved to Fort Worth with his mother and stepfather where he attended school and graduated from Paschal High School. He later attended Texas A & M University, was a member of the Aggie Corp, and graduated in 1956 with a Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Degree.

Lonnie went on to become the longest serving Executive Director of Austin’s Urban Renewal Agency and was instrumental in the creation of the City’s Historic Symphony Square. He was an avid Ham Radio Operator, Private Pilot, Real Estate Developer and Broker, Business Owner, Entrepreneur, and held the honor of 32nd Degree Mason. He was a lifetime member of Temple Beth-El in Fort Worth and the Arlington Heights Masonic Lodge.