Harold Franklin Poole

Harold Franklin Poole, 97, of Gamber, MD, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023 in Mt. Airy, MD with his two daughters, Leslie Bigham Poole, 64, of Winston-Salem, NC, and Lynn Diane Poole Breeding, 60, of Gamber, MD, by his side, and with wife of 66 years, Carol Anne Galbreath Poole, 88, granddaughter Deena Ashley Wykle, 25, and son-in-law Joseph Paul Breeding, Jr, nearby. Son of Frank Columbus Poole and Helen Lavinia Stonesifer Poole, he was born in Westminster on January 6, 1926. He was a resident of Carroll County and member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. As a Free Mason for over 66 years, he served as Master in 1963.

Growing up on a farm in Gamber, Harold graduated from Westminster High School and was drafted into the Army at the age of 18, serving in World War II and post-war occupation of several countries. He subsequently worked as a machinist for the Naval Ordinance Lab in White Oak, now known as the Naval Surface Weapons Center.

In parallel with his full-time job, he continued to plant and harvest crops on the 100-acre family farm at night and weekends with little assistance. He was a lifelong recycler, before recycling was “cool”; hundreds of riding toys found new lives to the delight of his family, friends and several day-care centers. He faithfully volunteered at St. Paul’s soup kitchen for many years. He respected everyone he met, and in turn was respected by everyone. A lasting legacy are the many grandfather clocks he made by hand, two for his daughters from wood previously used as shipping crates from Borneo.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 PM on Friday, July 28, 2023, at MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, 91 Willis Street, Westminster, MD 21157 with a funeral at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at St. Paul’s UCC on the corner of Bond and Green Streets in Westminster, MD. Online condolences can be made at www.myersdurborawfh.com.