Wayne David Poole

Wayne David Poole, 80, of Elkville, went to meet Jesus at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, July 28, 2013 at the Fair Acres Rehab and Care Center in Du Quoin. He was wearing his SpongeBob bracelet that he had received from his great grandson, Dylan, for his birthday.

Wayne was born on May 20, 1933 at Tamms, Ill., the son of the late Elmer and Ester (McCoy) Poole.

Wayne was raised in Tamms. He had served his country in the United States Army and was a Korean War veteran, of which he was proud. He was retired from the Operating Engineers Local 3 out of Oakland, Calif. after being a longtime member. Wayne was also a longtime member of the V.F.W. His most important membership was that to the God's House of Prayer, a church he truly loved. In Wayne's retirement, he enjoyed cooking for others, painting and he never tired of hard work. He never met a stranger. Wayne was a champion salsa maker, which he made for everyone. He loved sports, but his favorite was baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals. He never missed a game. After his stroke in December of 2012, the last months of his life were at Fair Acres. He had made several friends, which made his time there more bearable and he dearly loved them all. He had his "Angels" - Mary, Julie, Shantel and Catilin - who always kept him in check, Nicki and her puppy Dynamite, Amanda - who appropriately named him Crash, Anthony - who took him on, what Wayne thought, were long exercise walks up hills every evening, resident Gordon Cooper - who was nicknamed "Coop" who checked on Wayne and was his Gazebo buddy. Wayne also loved his Hospice nurse - Renie "Nurse Hurt" and Dr. Tucker was great. Hats off to you all who have now become our family! Thanks to all of you, Wayne will be watching over all of you now!

He married Donna (Vancil) Morgan of Elkville on April 3, 1999 and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Elkville, four children - Vicki (Russel) Scheffer of Paducah, Ky., Ester (Maury) Franklin of Mounds, Ill., Arthur Poole of Cairo, Ill. and Carl (Denise) Poole of Olivehurst, Calif., three step children - Tammy (Jim) Seaward, Scott Morgan and Todd (Toni) Morgan, all of Elkville, two sisters - Louise Dunning of Franklin, Tenn. and Judith (Glyn) Webb of La Center, Ky., three sisters-in-law - Laura James of Marion, Virginia Stewart and Roger of Dowell and Anita Kreid and Charles of Dowell, one brother-in-law - James Vancil and Linda of Du Quoin, 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents - Elmer and Ester Poole, four brothers - Bob Poole, Bill Poole, Ernie Poole and Elmer Poole and four sisters - Faithe Eramus, Ann Hisel, Dorothy Hecht and Beverly Jean Oller.

Wayne's wishes were to be cremated. There will be a celebration of his life at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013 at his church, God's House of Prayer, 208 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Carterville, Ill. with Bro. George Calhoun and Bro. Jim Seaward officiating. It will be a casual (Cardinals) service and anyone who wishes, may wear their favorite Cardinal apparel to honor Wayne.

Friends may call from 3 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial donations to God's House of Prayer or Hospice and will be accepted at the memorial service.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.