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.
Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, P.A., Westminster
St. Paul's United Church of Christ
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