Olen M. Poole's Obituary
Memorial services for Olen M. Poole, 86, of New London, will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, March 24, 2008 at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dean Grigsby and Rev. Harold Davis officiating. Burial will be in Rusk County Memorial Gardens under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Henderson.
Mr. Poole passed away Thursday, March 20, 2008 in Tyler.
He was born September 4, 1921 in Rusk County and was a lifelong resident of the county. He graduated from New London High School and was a survivor of the 1937 New London School explosion. He was a veteran of WWII having served as an aerial gunner with the 305th Group of the 8th Air Force. He was stationed in Chevston, England and flew 31 missions in the European Theater. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters and one overseas bar.
He was a member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, serving as deacon and Sunday School superintendent. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Ezzie Poole, brother Oscar Poole and wife LaVerne, and brother Joe Poole.
He is survived by a loving family including his wife of 63 years, LaMerle Poole; daughter, Brenda M. Feltman of Lufkin; sons, Jim Poole and wife Debbie of Overton, and Darrell Poole and wife Diana of Deer Park; sister Reube Jean Dowden of New London; brothers Ray Poole and wife Nell of New London and Bill Poole and wife Jean of Henderson.
He is also survived by his grandchildren; Heath Poole and wife Kelli, Holly Beever and husband Adam, Julie Rogers and husband Chris, Jennifer Quine and husband John, Brad Poole, Derrick Poole and Kayleigh Poole; five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Poole, David Poole, Tommy Poole, Jerry Poole, Dr. Billy Wayne Irwin, Doyle Poole, Bruce Dowden, Mark Dowden, Donnie Poole, and Ricky Poole.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by his family very much.
Visitation will be Sunday 2 to 4 at the funeral home.
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