Wesley A. Poore

Wesley A. Poore, 85, of Springfield, died at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Maple Ridge Care Center in Lincoln. Wesley was born on October 30, 1922 in Kellerton, IA the son of Alvin L. and Kathryn "Katie" Holland Poore; they preceded him in death. He married Clara E. Kester on June 22, 1948 in Audubon, IA. Wesley was a graduate of Beaconsfield High School, Beaconsfield, IA and Iowa State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. He was employed as an engineer for over 30 years at Allis-Chalmers, later known as Fiat Allis. Wesley served his country in the U.S. Air Force during WWII as a First Lieutenant, receiving a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. During his service he was a prisoner of war in Bulgaria, and since 1988 had been a member of "American Ex-Prisoners of War". He joined the congregation of Laurel United Methodist Church in 1966 and sang in the chancel choir. He was also preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers. He is survived by his wife, Clara Poore of Springfield; two sons, Dwight Poore of Madison, WI and Ralph (wife, Beth Twardowski) Poore of Bloomington; two daughters, Ellen Poore of Springfield and Carol (husband, John) Ferraro of Mukwonago, WI; two granddaughters, Amanda Poore and Kristen Twardowski; one brother, Harold (wife, Beverly) Poore of Des Moines, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 7, 2008 at Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL with Rev. Paul Sims, officiant. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Department of the American Ex-Prisoner of War: 14 Conestoga Dr., Auburn, IL 62615; or the American Parkinson Disease Association: Midwest Chapter, Glenbrook Medical Office Bldg. South, 2050 Pfingsten Road, Suite 127, Glenview, IL 60025