John Pool

THE REVEREND JOHN M. POOL was born on April 2, 1934, to Ivan and Anna Pool both who preceded him in death. He passed away on September 29, 2023, at 89. He is also preceded by his wife and soulmate, Joyce, daughter Johanna, brothers Ivan and wife Imogene, Rev. Charles, and sisters, Mary Anna Monroe (Monk) and Martha Chael. John is survived by his children, Mike (Susan), Jim (Rebecca), Mark (Renee), eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Fred Chael, sister-in-law Geri Pool as well as nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Born and raised in Paducah, Kentucky, John was no stranger to difficult times following the death of his father when he was only 9 years old.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church was foundational to John’s family, shaping his beliefs and commitment to all people. He was baptized at St. Paul’s in 1934 and confirmed there in 1948. When John was only 18, he married the love of his life, Joyce at the 12th Street Baptist Church in Paducah. Joyce was only 17 and finished high school while John worked as a lineman. He laughed when he recounted signing Joyce’s report card in lieu of a parent signature.

Because of his desire to help others and to spread the joy of God’s word, in 1956, after Mike’s birth, John enrolled in the seminary, moving Joyce and Mike to Springfield, Illinois to attend Concordia Seminary. He worked full-time while enrolled. Seminary leaders didn’t necessarily approve of his full-time work schedule, but he persevered. Son Mike recalls living in “the projects” and having little or no food in the refrigerator while his dad attended seminary. His determination and unwavering faith were on display then and in the almost seven decades to come. Joyce and John left Springfield, Illinois with their sons, Mike and Jim (born in Springfield) for his vicarage in Sheboygan, Wisconsin where daughter Johanna was born. The year in Sheboygan yielded life-long friendships that have continued to the next generation.

John’s first call came in 1962, to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Altus, Oklahoma, (a city they’d never heard of). Located near the Air Force Base, the Cuban Missile Crisis came shortly after their arrival and forced the young family to move to the base for safety. Two years later, John accepted a call to Grace Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. Son Mark was born in Oklahoma City where the family lived until 1969. Two years, (and a few broken church windows) later, the baseball playing Pool kids, grudgingly agreed to join their dad when he accepted the call to Wichita to be the pastor for Ascension Lutheran Church.

When the family arrived, the congregation met in what is now the Parish Hall. The church grew quickly as did the family. Along the way, John and Joyce set a great example for their four children. Dinner after church on Sundays was a special time with lots of good southern food and good-natured teasing. John’s kids participated actively in the church and listened to John’s sermons intently, using a flashcard system to rate him on a scale of 1-10 during Sunday dinner.

John was particularly gifted at sharing God’s love with those who were sick and dying. This led to his final assignment in 1983 as the Lutheran Institutional Chaplain for the Kansas District and the Wichita area hospitals. He ministered to people at their most difficult times and did it with grace, humor, and a spirit of inclusion. He found good in (almost) everyone and was recognized and admired by clergy of all faiths and denominations as a leader, mentor, and skilled pastor. He was slow to judge, quick to love and to offer the hope of Christ’s love, redemption, and the promise of eternal life. Additionally, Joyce and John assumed responsibility for a weekly ministry at Cheney Lake with a Sunday service for weekend visitors. Many travelled from their homes to attend during the summer months. After retiring, he extended his ministry, accepting multiple vacancy pastor roles and even offering chapel in his last year at Avita assisted living.

He loved to cheer on his boys as they played baseball and Johanna as she played softball. He and Joyce drove countless miles to countless ball games. Until he no longer drove, he continued to watch the team his son Mark coached. John was the consummate father, grandpa, and great grandpa. He was a pushover for his grandchildren and delighted to become a great-grandfather. He loved unconditionally. Granddaughter April recalls fondly the “inquisition” of her then fiancée Jeff by grandpa before he would agree to marry them. He was always in attendance at dance and piano recitals, cheer competitions, basketball games, school concerts and more.

As pastor, John was often away, days “off” were rare, but still found time to be there for his kids, grandkids, and the love of his life Joyce. John and Joyce, bowled, traveled, camped, played cards, joined the Lions Club, went on cruises, led bus trips to Branson, sang in the Cessna Excitations, and more. He loved fried chicken, Lincolns (“finest car ever made”), margaritas, Red Lobster, baseball, and planting flowers in the spring. But, other than his love for God and his savior, Jesus Christ, he loved Joyce and found it very difficult to say no when she wanted to try a new hobby, visit somewhere far-away, go shopping or to the casino. He often said that he was honored to care for her in her final years and he missed her after her death.

While we mourn the passing of our father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, mentor, and pastor, we are thankful that we have experienced his love and example and will miss him greatly. May we all seek to live a life like John’s - to love our families well and serve Jesus faithfully until our final breath.

A visitation for John will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. A funeral service will occur Monday, October 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Ascension Lutheran Church, 842 N. Tyler, Wichita, KS 67212. A graveside service will follow the service at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Pool family.

Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”