SHERIDAN -- Funeral services for Wilbur E. Pool, 84, will be conducted at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 10, at First Congregational Church/UCC in Sheridan with the Rev. Bob Miller officiating. Masonic graveside services will be in the Masonic Circle section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, with Sheridan Masonic Lodge No. 8 officiating.

He died Aug. 8, 2007, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital

A native of Sheridan, he was born Jan. 21, 1923, to George H. and Etta (Dawson) Pool. He attended schools in Sheridan, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1941.

On July 2, 1943, he married Alta June Ewoldsen at First Congregational Church in Sheridan. The couple went to Nashville, Tenn., in 1945, where he attended the Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1946 as valedictorian.

He received his Wyoming state embalmer's license in 1946 and went to work for Reed Mortuary in Sheridan as funeral director-embalmer before going to work for Champion Funeral Home in 1947.

The Pools moved to Buffalo in 1950, where they owned and operated the Pool Funeral Home until 1958. They returned to Sheridan, and Wilbur returned to Champion Funeral Home, retiring in 1988. Wilbur continued working part-time for Champion's and later for Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

During his career in the funeral business, he was also involved with the ambulance for many years and became one of the first EMTs in Sheridan County.

Among his many activities, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, the mountains and camping, and playing the piano and organ. He was a Senior Center ambassador; delivered Meals On Wheels six days a week for 14 years; drove the Mini Bus; and played for Sunday School at the church for 18 years. He also worked with the Sheridan County Wellness Council for 14 years at its annual blood draw. He started playing in dance bands in the Sheridan area in his early years and continued to play with various bands and organizations throughout the years.

He was a member of First Congregational Church/UCC in Sheridan since 1943; the Sheridanaires; Sheridan I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 19; a 50 year member of Sheridan Lodge No. 8, A.F. & A.M., where he was their musician; Sheridan Scottish Rite Bodies; a life member of the Kalif Shrine; and the Kalif Klowns.

Survivors include his wife, Alta June of Sheridan; one daughter, Marilyn Puett of Omaha, Neb.; one son, Tom Pool and his wife of Hamilton, Mont.; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.

Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church, 100 W. Works St., Sheridan, WY 82801

Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Casper Star-Tribune - August 10, 2007