Mr. Paul Alta Raack

Paul Alta Raack, born on December 15, 1969, in Garland, Texas, left this world to dance in the presence of his Savior on December 20, 2023, at 3:19 pm at Christus Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas, after a brief and sudden fight with multiple illnesses at the age of 54. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Edward Raack (December 2020) and Alta Faye (Taylor) Raack (January 2005). He is survived by his devoted wife, Jennifer Deann Raack, 54, residing in their home in Henderson, Texas. The couple met at the age of 14 years old at Richland Baptist Church in Richardson, Texas and began dating at the age of 16. They married on July 29, 1989, and created a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support for one another through multiple trials and celebrations. Paul's legacy extends through his children: Frank Alden Smith of Abilene, Texas, Age 32, who although not his child by birth, was assuredly a beloved son from the moment they met, Paul Adam Raack, 32, and his wife Miriam Abigail Raack, 33, along with their two children, Liliana June Raack and Grace Olivia Raack of Henderson, Texas. Joshua Raack, 29, of Houston, Texas, Jarod Raack, 22, of College Station, Texas, and Samantha Raack, 18, of College Station, Texas. Paul is also survived by a multitude of children at First Baptist of Henderson, Texas (and the surrounding community) who considered him to be an extended father figure in their lives. As the youngest of five siblings, Paul is survived by Robert Raack and his wife Diane of Monroe, Ohio, Kevin Raack and his wife Tele of Reno, Nevada, Michelle Henry and her husband Mark of Garland, Texas, and Eric Raack and his wife Lecy of Houston, Texas. Together, they form a close-knit family that Paul cherished deeply. Paul dedicated his life to a higher calling, serving as the greatest Children's Pastor in the world when he started as interim children’s pastor at Murphy Road Baptist Church in 2005. He was officially hired for the position in 2006 after great success in his ministry–even through a tragic car accident in that same year that almost took his life. He moved on to serve at Eastridge Baptist Church in Red Oak, Texas in 2012, and then to his beloved First Baptist Church in Henderson, Texas, in 2019 where he fell in love with the entire community and planned to retire. His passion for nurturing young hearts and souls left an indelible mark on countless lives. His ability to connect with children and inspire them to embrace faith in Christ will be remembered and incalculably appreciated by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His years in ministry have been a blessing not only to his family, but to all the other families of the children whose lives he changed in incredibly positive ways. He always found unique ways to grab the attention of his young audiences and present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them in ways that were fun, exciting, and understandable. He poured his very heart and soul into his ministry, and his family knows full well how many loved and cherished him as they themselves did. In addition to his professional achievements, Paul was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. Those who knew him will recall his infectious laughter, his compassionate spirit, his egregiously corny jokes, his passion for seeing children find Faith, his love of the song "Making Melodies in My Heart," and his ability to uplift those around him. You may also remember his love for all things Minion (Despicable Me), a love that is currently displayed in his front yard Christmas decorations and his church office. Paul's warmth and kindness extended beyond the church walls, making him a pillar of strength in his family and his community. As we celebrate Paul's life, let us remember the joy he brought to the world and the lives he touched. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his memory will continue to inspire love, compassion, and great faith and obedience. He would want you all to know that this is not goodbye, but see you later. Repent, be saved, trust in the Lord always, and be reunited with him in glorious celebration on that wonderful day. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make donations to the Children's Building Fund of First Baptist Church at 207 W. Main St., Henderson, TX 75652. Paul greatly desired to see this section of the church finished with the completion of the Third Floor. While he leaves behind enormous boots to fill, he would want whoever follows in his footsteps to be set up for the greatest success possible in continuing his incredible ministry. A celebration of the life of Mr. Paul Alta Raack, 54, of Henderson, will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at First Baptist Church with Dr. David Higgs and Rev. Don Edmiston officiating, under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. Please wear bright and fun clothing, as Paul would have hated for his celebration to be drab and dark colored. The family will receive friends following the service in the mall area of the church. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Paul Alta Raack

December 15, 1969 - December 20, 2023