On Monday, August 19th, 2024, Paul Sherman Poole passed away at Baptist East Hospital while surrounded by his closest loved ones. Paul, born on November 12, 1965, was 58 years old.
Paul graduated from Meade County High School in 1983 and went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Kentucky University in 1987. During his time at Eastern, he was honored with the prestigious Gladys Perry Tyng Award, given annually to one graduate for excellence in teaching ability, academic achievement, and dedication to the profession. Paul later advanced his education by obtaining his Master’s and Rank I degrees from Western Kentucky University.
Paul’s innate leadership and empathy shaped his dedicated career in the Meade County School System. He began as a teacher at James R. Allen Elementary, later teaching at Battletown Elementary. His commitment and passion for teachers and students alike led him to serve as principal of Flaherty Elementary, and ultimately Assistant Superintendent at the Meade County Board of Education. After retiring from Meade County, Paul continued his journey in education as the principal of North Hancock Elementary in Hancock County before eventually retiring for a second time.
Paul was a very stoic man with a unique sense of humor with nothing but love to give. He was a devoted Los Angeles Dodgers and UK fan. He loved lacing up his shoes and going for a long run, especially in ridiculously hot weather. Paul drank a hearty amount of Folgers coffee and had a mind like an encyclopedia. He loved sharing life lessons from “The Andy Griffith Show,” and tapping his foot to Buck Owens — especially the song “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail.” Above all else, Paul loved snuggles with his dog, Molly Moo.
Paul was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2022 and fought bravely for two years and eight months, showing his characteristic determination—some might even say stubbornness! During this time, one of his greatest joys was receiving cards in the mail, each one cherished and kept. Despite his illness, Paul continued to share his love for learning, inspiring others to embrace servant leadership.
True to his generous, altruistic spirit, Paul’s final act of kindness was becoming a cornea donor, giving someone the gift of sight.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Eva Poole, Brandeburg; his daughter, Adrienne (Austin) Poole Johnston, Georgetown, Ky.; his fur daughter, Molly, and grand-pup, Marley; his parents, David and Beverly Poole, Ekron; his brother Aaron (Tara) Poole and their four children: Dawson, Nolan, Addison, and Morgan, Brandenburg; his brother and sister-in-law David and Shelley Poole and their two daughters: Katie (Dalton) Crisp and Bailey Poole, Lewisport; his mother and father-in-law, Clyde and Georgene Poole, Lewisport; and a countless number of other friends and loved ones.
A memorial visitation will be held from 9am-1pm CST on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. Columba Catholic Church, located at 815 Pell Street, Lewisport, KY 42351 with a Mass to follow to 1pm CST. Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Lewisport Chapel will be handling the arrangements. Everyone is also invited to attend a memorial dinner after Mass is completed to continue celebrating Paul’s life.
In lieu of flowers, Paul’s family kindly requests others to register as an organ, tissue, and eye donor (RegisterMe.org) and donations to be made in his honor to Donate Life Kentucky. These contributions will carry forward Paul’s legacy of compassion by offering hope and support to transplant recipients facing financial challenges, assisting donor families in laying their heroes to rest, and providing scholarships to students pursuing their dreams, just as Paul did.