A Wichita County official is organizing a committee to build a new memorial for the victims of the 1979 tornado that struck Wichita Falls, according to a report from KFDX/KJTL.
Mark Beauchamp said he has begun assembling a committee and has discussed the potential project with Wichita Falls city officials.
A small memorial currently sits in Wood Memorial Park off Maplewood. Beauchamp said he visits each year on April 10 to reflect and pay respects to the people who died in the storm.
After visiting the park last month, Beauchamp posted on social media asking whether the community could do better. He said the response was positive.
"The intent is to show how amazing our community really is when we work together as one people, even in the worst tragedy. It really made our community a much bigger, better, stronger place at the end," Beauchamp said.
Beauchamp said the new memorial could be placed at either Wood Memorial Park or Kiwanis Park.
Residents interested in helping or joining the committee can contact Beauchamp at (940) 631-8838 or mark.beauchamp@co.wichita.tx.us.