Julius Poole

Julius Poole, born February 13, 1923, oilfield trash, tree planter, squirrel whisperer, and lately poet, died September 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, Florida with “2 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. WWII 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 and 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 Colo. 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 the town that he now called home. Although he loved to travel and eventually set foot on all 7 continents, Rangely remained the home that 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 at the First Baptist Church in Rangely, CO on October 6 at 10:00am. 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.