Eldon Charles Poole

Birth: July 7, 1943 | Died: April 23, 2021

Eldon Charles Poole (known as Bud or Buddy), 77, died April 23 at Kaiser Permanente Medical Office Building following progressive pulmonary illness. Born in Highland Illinois on July 7, 1943, the only son of Eldon and Lucille (Rekolt) Poole grew up in the midwestern town of Granite City, Illinois but lived most of his adult life in California. In his early years, Eldon (Buddy) would spend his time swimming at the park pool and playing little league baseball or football with friends.  His high school years saw him focused more on athletics than academics as he ran track, played football, and participated in numerous wrestling tournaments up and down the state of California.During high school, he was active in Youth Fellowship serving as President at St. John United Church of Christ and in the southern Illinois region for UCC where he was often seen in the pulpit giving a sermon or leading children and teen activities. He briefly attended college at Illinois State until the Vietnam War; when in 1963, he was drafted and enlisted in the Marines.  He served several tours and left the U.S. Marine Corps with the Rank of CPL (E-7).  Throughout his career and retirement, he proudly wore his marine tattoo and always shook hands with his fellow Marines as he quietly said, “Semper Fi”. After leaving the military, Eldon worked briefly in the delivery field until he landed at Disneyland in Anaheim, California where he found his niche in the FOS (facilities operations services) and became the Manager of the inception of the maintenance center and response team for 35 years (1971-2006) helping to create an imaginary world of enchantment and always “looking out” forhis people. His retirement found him moving to Weldon, California across the river from Lake Isabella where he reunited with former Disney retirees and became active in the local Elks lodge eventually serving as Exalted Ruler.  He was known for leading the Tri-tip fundraising team, putting donated bicycles together, acting as Santa Clause for local families/groups at Christmas and supporting vets. He leaves his loving family and many close friends remembering phone calls he made from the car that always started with, This is Bud, checking in….Going around the lake and thought I would give you a call.” The memorial service in honor of Eldon (Bud) will be held at Hilgenfeld Mortuary (120 E Broadway, Anaheim CA 92805) on Friday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m.