Dr. Joseph Ralph Poole
July 4, 1924 - August 8, 2017

Dr. Joseph Ralph Poole, age 93 of Fredericktown, died Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the home of his daughter surrounded by his family. Dr. Poole was born at Minford, Ohio on July 4, 1924 to the late Jonathan Dodge Poole and Gertrude (Dever) Poole. Following graduation from high school he served with the U S Army in the Pacific Theater of War during World War Two. Dr. Poole and his late wife Thelma (Dillow) Poole both taught school from 1952 to 1954 at the Dayton Junior Academy.

They moved to California and in 1958 He earned his degree as a medical doctor from Loma Linda Medical University in Loma Linda, California. In 1959 the family moved to Fredericktown Ohio and Dr. Poole opened his family medical practice. After retiring from his family practice Dr. Poole was employed at the Mount Vernon Developmental Center in Mount Vernon, Ohio and retired as their Medical Director.

He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Hill Church in Mount Vernon and was a former member of the Fredericktown Lions Club. He was an avid antique collector and was an avid antique car enthusiast who enjoyed collecting antique automobiles.

Surviving are his children Dr. Joseph Rustin (Melissa) Poole of Mount Vernon and Mary (Joe Cochran) Wishau of Mount Vernon; grandchildren Julia (Nick) Nordby, Jonathan Poole, Elizabeth (James) Dunkleberger D.D.S., and Joe (Melissa) Cooper and 7 great grandchildren. Besides his parents and wife of 66 years he was preceded in death by 9 brothers and sisters.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. Joseph Ralph Poole will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Seventh-day Adventist Hill Church, 535 Wooster Rd., Mount Vernon with Pastor Fred Shoemaker officiating.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Knox County Health Department, 11660 Upper Gilchrist Rd., Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.