Thomas H. Poole, Jr.'s Obituary
Thomas H. Poole, Jr., age 77 of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed from this life on March 7, 2012. He was born on May 8, 1934 in Huntsville, Alabama to Thomas Herman Poole Sr. and Frona (McKelvey) Poole. Thomas grew up in Huntsville and attended Huntsville High School where he played football. He married Frances Ann (Gates) Poole on November 1, 1957 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He received his Associates Degree from Western Oklahoma State College. Thomas worked for the railroad following graduation and then becoming a member of the United States Air Force. He served his country as an Infantry Soldier with the United States Army in Korea and Vietnam. In Vietnam, he served in the famed 1st Infantry Division “Big Red One”. Thomas was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, 2 Vietnam Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He continued his military career reaching the rank of SFC E7 before retiring. Thomas served the Disabled Veterans for the remainder of his career as an employee of State Employment Service. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, riding motorcycles and spending time with his family. Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Frances “Fran” Poole of the home; 2 sons, Troy Poole and his wife Janet of Ada, Oklahoma and Tracy Poole and his wife Jennifer of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 6 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; numerous family members and friends. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 12, 2012, 3:00 PM, Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Reflections, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Visitation will begin on Saturday, March 10th from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Sunday, March 11th from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Therapy Development Institute, 300 Technology Square Suite 400, Cambridge, MA, 02139; Telephone (617) 441-7200.
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