Andrus picks Port Arthur; makes a big town from a small one

By Darragh Doiron
The Port Arthur News

April 25, 2008 03:04 pm

— LURL ANDRUS
Community connection: Active in several civic and social groups.
Fast fact: Andrus could have chosen Washington, D.C., but calls Port Arthur home.
Quick Quote: “You don’t have to fight the traffic.”
Another thing: Andrus has been to all 50 states.

You don’t have to know Lurl Andrus for long to get the impression that she’s a polished, educated culture lover willing to promote the good things of Port Arthur.
She’s quick to mention that she lived in Washington, D.C. for 32 years working for the American Petroleum Institute. That must be how she met presidents from John F. Kennedy on. She’s also lived in Dallas and Huntsville, but she’s picked Port Arthur to call home.
“You don’t have to fight the traffic. People get to know each other better. We’re closer knit,” Andrus said about her town.
She supports Community Concerts of Southeast Texas, Museum of the Gulf Coast and other arts groups and has no patience for those who say there’s nothing to do around here.
“If they would only avail themselves,” Andrus said.
Simply put, she makes a big town from a small one.
The Community Retirement home’s board and residents are another commitment Andrus has made. She ties in her love of music by making sure their piano is played often and with gusto.
“She has a great love for the Community home,” Paula Tallant, home director, said. “She was president for four years. She comes on a weekly basis and visits with them. She knows them by name and has a personal relation with quite a few of them.”
Here’s something you may or may not know about Andrus: She’s an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, Astros and Lamar Cardinals.
A world traveler, Andrus has been to all 50 states and sampled the world from Australia and New Zealand to Russia and Scandinavian regions.
Andrus attended University of Texas and Port Arthur Business College. She’s worked with the Desk & Derrick Clubs and was married to the late Ray Andrus for 36 years. She has also been active with the Department Club, the CavOILcade board, Knife & Fork, Texas Artists Museum and Thomas Jefferson’s class of ‘44. A member of First Baptist Church, Andrus plays bridge.
Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.