Jack T. Poole's Obituary
Jack T. Poole, born February 3, 1930, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to Isaiah and Lulu Maud Shaw, passed away June 25, 2026. He was preceded in death by his brother, Howard, and sister, Genevieve.
Jack attended Arsenal Tech High School and graduated from Manual High School in 1948. An avid football enthusiast, he played and coached at Canterbury College in Danville, Indiana. In August 1951, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving as an artillery forward observer.
Jack served as an Indianapolis fireman, appointed on January 1, 1954, and retiring January 9, 1971. He often remarked, “That was the best job I ever had.”
On October 24, 1953, Jack married Beryl “Alice” Elizabeth Buescher and they had two children: Karen Poole May (Bob) and Kyle Poole (Debby). He also leaves behind a granddaughter, Kyleigh Poole Jones (Derek) and two great-grandchildren, Ira and Jovie Jones. In 1980, Jack married Betty Holdson in St. Petersburg, Florida. They were married until Betty passed away from cancer in 1994.
Jack lived in St. Petersburg, Florida, for over 30 years, where he worked part-time at the senior center, picking up shuffleboard skills that earned him a place in the Hall of Fame. After moving back to Indianapolis, he resided in an assisted living facility for the past three years, he would often say, “I’m still here,” always yearning to return to Florida.
A social butterfly, Jack loved playing Rummikub with his lady friends, joking that they "kicked my butt," and enjoyed his nightly wine while listening to music from the 50s and 60s. He was beloved by all the residents for his kindness and thoughtful nature.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A Visitation will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 11 am to 12:30 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home: 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg, 33709.
Followed by a Service in the Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel at 1 pm, where Jack will then be laid to rest within Memorial Park Cemetery.
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