GENE MITCHELL POOLE
Gene Mitchell Poole, AVCM, USN (Ret), age 84, longtime resident of Oak Harbor, passed away at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett on Tuesday, September 4, 2012.
Mr. Poole was born in Craddock, VA, on December 13, 1927, to Lloyd and Ruth (Royal) Poole. He moved with his family at an early age, living briefly in the Midwest, and then settling in Long Beach, CA. At age seventeen, Gene became a Merchant Marine, serving during World War II. He was on board the Liberty ship SS Peter Sylvester when it was sunk by German U-boat 571, and survived on a life raft for twenty-two days.

Following World War II, Gene enlisted in the Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict, flying as an air crewman in ADs. He married Leta Reuter on Oct. 19, 1952. They settled in Long Beach, WA, where they began to raise their family: three sons and two step-sons. Gene re-enlisted in the Navy. He was initially stationed in Jacksonville, FL, and then was assigned to the A-3 squadron which was based at NAS Whidbey Island. He also served during the Vietnam Conflict. He was inducted into the first Air Crewman’s Roll of Honor on Nov. 12, 1999. He retired as an E-9, Master Chief in 1974.
Gene married Carol Sue Englehart on Feb. 12, 1992 in Ocean Park, WA. Gene engaged in commercial fishing from 1975 until 1996, fishing from his boat, Roamer. He was an ardent painter, and his works appeared in several art shows. He also enjoyed sport fishing and hunting. Gene was a member of the Society of Marine Artists; VFW Post #7392; and was a Merchant Seaman. He had attended Family Bible Church.
Gene is survived by his wife, Carol, at home in Oak Harbor; three sons, Bruce Poole (Denise), Brian Poole (Gwynne Gambit) and Lloyd Poole, all of Oak Harbor; six step-children: Michael Howit (Linda) of Long Beach, CA, Greg Howit (Susan) of San Juan Capistrano, CA, Colleen Winslow (Mark) of Freeland, William Riley (Althea) of Puyallup, Lorene Kellogg of Coquille, OR and Troy Riley (Debbie) of Port Angeles; six grandchildren: Rachel and Ian Poole; Aubrey and Brianna Smith and Justin and Ryan Poole; eleven step-grandchildren: Kimberly and Matt Howit; Madison and Tom Clark; Morgan and Marley Howit; Frank, Jennifer and Andy Nichols; Merritt and Tyler Riley; three step-great-grandchildren; also, numerous other relatives. Gene was preceded in death by his first wife Leta in 1991 and by a step-brother Leonard Marshall.
A Memorial Service will be Sat., Sept. 22, 2012, 11:00 AM at NAS Whidbey Base Chapel, followed by Military Honors under the auspices of NAS Whidbey Honor Guard. (Those planning to attend who need base security clearance should contact Whidbey Memorial at 675-5777 as soon as possible.) Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 3001 R Ave., Suite 100, Anacortes, WA 98221, or to WAIF, PO Box 1108, Coupeville, WA 98239. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.

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