Merle L. Poole

<p class="p1">Merle L. Poole, 76, of Anna, died at 11:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.</p><p class="p1">He was born on April 10, 1939, in Ullin, the son of Dennis Leon and Alice Evelyn Oliver Poole.</p><p class="p1">He married Sharon Kay Nimmo on Aug. 19, 1960. She preceded him in death on July 19, 2001.</p><p class="p1">He served in the National Guard for six years. He spent 20 years working as a truck driver; after that, Merle worked at Holcomb Welding while running a cleaning business with his partner and brother Jack.</p><p class="p1">He enjoyed reading science fiction and dining out with his brother; he also liked family get-togethers. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Anna.</p><p class="p1">He is survived by his son, Dennis (Cindy) Poole of Melbourne, Arkansas; a daughter, Sonya Crane of Jonesboro; 13 grandchildren, Derek (Jenna) Lawhead, Lexie Lawhead, Carley Lawhead, Celeste (Robert) Williams, Brady Crane, Kyleigh Hamel, Seth Hamel, Erica McKinney, Lauren Doctorman-Reams, Ryan (Ashley) Doctorman, Ashely Poole, Heath Qualls and Hannah Qualls; five great-grandchildren, Cade Phillips, Cash Doctorman, Lexie Doctorman, Laney Reams and Hensley Crane; a brother, Jack Poole of Cobden; nieces, nephews and other relatives.</p><p class="p1">He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon Poole; daughters, Regina Doctorman and Tonya Lawhead; and an infant sister, Betty Lou Poole.</p><p class="p1">Visitation was Saturday, Feb. 20, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro.</p><p class="p1">Memorial services were at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Darryl Williams officiating. Inurnment was private in Big Creek Cemetery.</p><p class="p1">To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.</p><p class="p1">Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.</p>

Merle L. Poole