Obituary of Earl Gene Poole

Earl “Gene” Poole, age 88, of Minooka, and formerly of Benton, IL passed away peacefully on August 16, 2017 at Sunny Hill Nursing Home, Joliet, surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was born October 13, 1928 in Benton, to Ray and Margaruete “Maggie” (Lipe) Poole.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and a member of Joliet American Legion Post #1080.  He retired from Caterpillar, Inc., Joliet, in 1987.

Gene enjoyed working in the garage, gardening, and riding his motorcycle.  He loved his family and the Chicago Cubs.  During retirement, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

He married his beloved wife of 40 years, Delphia Rose Freed on November 8, 1976.  She preceded him in death on March 31, 2017.  Three daughters, Jessica Poole, Loretta Conner and Carol Kohl; one grandson, Michael James Willis; his parents; and one brother, Ray Poole, Jr. also preceded him in death.  

Surviving are his four children, Kathy (Gordon Bebout) Olson, Sue (Mary Hunckler) Poole, Tammy (Karen) Poole, and Terri (Diane Warriner) Poole; six grandchildren, Byron (Maryann Upton) Olson, Karla Olson, Lisa (Michael) Murray, Ed (Brooke McDonald) Bales, Robert Bales and Valerie (Kyle) Carlson; 16 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Poole; several nieces and nephews; and two long time friends, Jack Hanson and Russ Nelson of Minooka.

Visitation for Earl “Gene” Poole will be held Saturday, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet.  Gene will then return to his beloved Benton, IL  and a visitation will be held Tuesday, August 22, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S Main St, Benton, IL.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.  Graveside services for the family will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, where Gene’s final resting place will be with his parents.  For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com