Charles Parker Pool

Private

Co. D, 6th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry

After 101 years it is with deep respect that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Pool, a cherished father, veteran, and skilled mason, who departed from this world on June 7, 2026, at Parkview Healthcare Facility Bolivar, Missouri. Bill was born on January 13, 1925, to Charles Parker and Clara Bell (Straw) Pool, and lived a life dedicated to hard work and service.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Bill honorably served his country during a pivotal time in our nation’s history, during WWII, he received the Bronze Star, and was a Wounded POW, and is the last known surviving son of an American Civil War Veteran, Charles Parker Pool who fought for the Union Army in the Sixth West Virginia Volunteers.

After returning home, he made significant contributions to the commercial construction industry as a brick mason and was a member of the Local BAC #15 of the Brick Layers Union, where he built not just structures, but also a legacy of craftsmanship and dedication. Bill attended the Pentecostal Church of God Bolivar, MO.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Shirley Pool; one son Charles Pool, and one daughter Glenda Pool; eight siblings; and six grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bill was a devoted father, survived by his loving children: Carolyn George (Jack), Jeanie Price (Kenneth), Darlene Gaston (Steve), Gerald Pool (Linda), Gary Pool (Teresa), Garland Pool (Shirley), and Danny Pool; 31 Grandchildren, 62 Great Grandchildren, and 32 Great-Great Grandchildren. He fostered deep familial bonds and was a source of strength and guidance to all who knew him. His life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and unwavering loyalty to family and country.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Pitts Chapel. Burial will follow at Enon Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at: www.greeenlawnfuneralhome.com.

William Pool will be remembered not only for his trade and service but also for the warmth he brought to his loved ones and the community. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched. May he rest in peace.

His mother was Clara Straw, the daughter of William Jackson Straw and Elizabeth Jane Kettner. Clara was born July 24, 1889, in Nevada, Story County, Iowa. Clara lived to the age of 101 and was the last Civil War widow in Missouri to receive a pension based on her husband's Union service.

Kevin P. Tucker

Commander-in-Chief

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

58 Forest Street

Wakefield, MA 01880

cinc@suvcw.org

General Order No. 17

Series 2025-2026

8 June 2026

Passing of Brother William Pool, Last Living Real Son of a Union Veteran

It is my solemn duty to announce the passing of Brother William Pool, recognized as the last living Real Son of a Union Veteran of the Civil War, who departed this life on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the age of 101.

Brother William "Bill" Pool was born on January 13, 1925, to Charles and Clara Bell Pool. His father, Charles Pool, Sr., was born on March 27, 1844, in Ritchie County, West Virginia, and served the Union cause as a member of the 6th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry. During his service, Charles was wounded in the left leg, resulting in an amputation above the knee, and later received an invalid pension from the federal government. In 1915, at the age of 71, Charles married Clara Bell Straw, who was 27 years old. Together they raised five children, including William, known throughout his life as "Bill."

Brother Pool's family represented a remarkable living connection to the Civil War generation. His mother, Clara Bell Pool, lived to the age of 101 and was the last Civil War widow in Missouri to receive a pension based on her husband's Union service.

Following in a tradition of service to the nation, Bill entered the United States Army in 1944 during the Second World War. Serving in the European Theater, he distinguished himself through extraordinary courage when he voluntarily joined another soldier in rescuing a severely wounded officer from the battlefield after others believed the attempt too dangerous. For this act of heroism, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

After returning home from the war, Brother Pool married Shirley Courtney, and together they raised nine children. He worked as a mechanic and later in the construction industry, earning a reputation as a devoted husband, father, and provider. His family remembered him as a man of unwavering faith, dedication, and work ethic who never missed a day of work and ensured his family was in church every Sunday.

Brother Pool represented a direct and living connection to the men who preserved the Union during our nation's greatest trial. With his passing, an historic chapter in the legacy of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War comes to a close. His life served as a tangible link between the Civil War generation and the present day, reminding us of our sacred obligation to preserve the memory, history, and principles for which the Union soldiers fought.

The Commander-in-Chief, on behalf of the National Organization, extends heartfelt condolences to Brother Poole's family, friends, and all who mourn his loss.

The family has reported that funeral services are being planned at Pitts Chapel in Bolivar, Missouri, with interment to follow at Enon Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Morrisville, Missouri. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in the Commander-in-Chief, it is hereby ordered that:

1. The Charter of the National Organization shall be draped in mourning for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of this Order.

2. All Department and Camp Charters of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War shall likewise be draped in mourning for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of this Order.

3. All Departments, Camps, and the National Organization are requested to place a mourning drape or appropriate memorial emblem on their official websites and social media platforms for a period of thirty (30) days in tribute to Brother William Poole and in recognition of his unique place in the history of our Order and the nation.

4. All Brothers are encouraged to remember Brother Pool in their thoughts and prayers and to reflect upon the enduring legacy of the Union veterans whose memory we are sworn to honor.

As we mark the passing of the last Real Son, let us renew our commitment to the purposes of our Order: to perpetuate the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and the men who saved the Union, and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Ordered this 8th day of June, 2026.

In Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty,

Kevin P. Tucker

Commander-in-Chief

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

Attest:

James Crane

National Secretary

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War