Wade Connor Poole

IN MEMORY OF: Wade Connor Poole Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Wade Connor Poole passed away peacefully in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale on September 20, 2025 with his sons by his side. He was 99. Born August 16, 1926, in Madill, Okla., Wade lived a quiet but full life in his 99 years on this earth. A Navy combat veteran, he served his country for two years in World War II. During his tour of duty, he was stationed at Naval bases across the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, experiencing places far from home like India and Hawaii. Wade married Joyce Inez Montgomery in 1947. They had three sons whom Wade coached in little league, led Boy Scout Troops, and instilled a life-long love of the outdoors. Wade devoted his career to the railroad. He began working for the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad as an operator/dispatcher in Jackson, Tenn. In 1953, the office was moved to Murphysboro, Ill. Wade and his young family moved with it. There, they settled into a modest home where Wade would live until 2025. He retired from Illinois Central Gulf Railroad after a long career. Upon his passing, Wade is believed to have been the most senior employee of GM&O and possibly the longest surviving American Railroader. He was a devout member of Murphysboro United Methodist Church and attended services faithfully for the 72 years he resided in Murphysboro. Wade was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, and gardening. He took pride in the showy blooms that adorned his yard each season and generously shared the bounty from his vegetable garden and fruit trees. A member of the American Kennel Club, he earned numerous trophies and accolades culminating in one of his proudest achievements. In 2001, he and his beagle, Wade’s Elm Street Cody, won the Purina Award for Outstanding Field Trial. This national award cemented him as a front runner in the sport. He would continue to compete and “run” dogs for the next 20 years. His legacy lives on in the bloodlines of generations of champion beagles. A true family man, Wade spent countless hours over six decades watching his kids’ and grandkids’ play sports, taking them fishing, hiking, mushroom hunting, and exploring southern Illinois. His commitment to family never wavered, he attended his great-granddaughter’s soccer game just weeks before his passing. He may not have been the loudest cheerleader, but you could always count on him to be in the stands. Wade is survived by sons, Bob (Kathy) Poole and Tom (Teresa) Poole, six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of commitment to hard-work, pursuing your passions in life, being a steadfast presence for your loved ones, and a faithful servant of the Lord. He will be missed by all who knew him. Wade was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce, son Kenneth, long-time companion Marcella Bixler, and dear friends Ronnie Flowers and Jack Nelson, along with numerous other friends and relatives. Funeral Services to be held at Crain Funeral Home Downtown Murphysboro on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM With Rev. Greg Poole and Rev. Marty McMichael officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the funeral home the day of the service. Interment will follow the service at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park Memorials can be made in Wade’s name to the Murphysboro United Methodist Building Fund and St. Francis Care. Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.

Wade Connor Poole

August 16, 1926 - September 20, 2025