Obituary: Julius Poole

Julius Poole, oilfield trash, tree planter, squirrel whisperer, and lately poet, died Monday, Sept. 28, 2015.
Known fondly to many as Poole or JP and to a few as Dad, Grandpa and Papa, Julius forged his way on his own after stepping off the farm near Two Egg, Fla., with “two bits” in his pocket at the tender age of 15.

Determined to find his own path, he dabbled at various professions, sales in a rolling store and delivery driver of oil/gas products, before joining the Navy at 17 years old. After a very quick boot camp, he was whisked away to serve as a sailor onboard the USS New York as it left Norfolk, Va., for the North Sea and eventually Northwest Africa. World War II and the Navy were “big eye openers” for a country boy who had never been more than a few miles from home. Learning to sleep standing up, steering a battleship and owning his first and only horse on the Isle of Pines, Cuba, were among the many adventures Julius had before the war ended.
After the war, Julius returned to Florida. The opportunity to try his hand at rough necking led him to the far away frontier of Colorado. Realizing that he could make much more than the $1/day he had been earning in Florida, he sent home in a letter for the love of his life, Lomell, to join him. They wed and left Florida with their families not knowing then that they would spend the rest of their lives in Colorado.
After several years of hard work, they formed a partnership with their neighbors to start Colorado Well Service and later, Bi-Co Rental, which they owned and operated from 1957 to 1979.
Julius continued doing what he had always done, working hard every day and giving those around him a broad smile and a fair shake.
Julius grew to love Rangely, the town he called home. Although he loved to travel and eventually set foot on all seven continents, Rangely remained the home he loved. He spent his spare time planting many trees and breathing life into the dry soil. Julius maintained his eternal optimism and always saw his glass as half-full throughout his life
Julius and Lomell raised four children with a gentle loving hand, and, although one son was tragically killed in an automobile accident, the remaining three have cherished knowing their father through the stages of his life.
Julius enjoyed many years with children (4), grandchildren (10), and great-grandchildren (3) following him around, learning to work diligently, but most importantly to value people and enjoy life.
Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Rangely, Colo., on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, at 10 a.m. Julius loved trees. In lieu of flowers, should you desire, please consider planting and nurturing a tree for you and your loved ones to enjoy.