Anthony "Tony" Leo Poole

Anthony “Tony” Poole, 86, of Williamstown, KY passed away on December 29th, 2023.  Tony is survived by his wife of 62 years, Roberta McCormick Poole, who he often said he loved more every day.  Tony and Roberta owned and operated Tony’s Hair Care for 45 years together and it took the pandemic to force them to retire.

Tony was 11th out of 12 children of Walter and Minnie Belle Poole of Verona, Kentucky.  Tony served in the United States Army Reserve from 1960 to 1966.  He completed basic training in Fort Knox and served two tours at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where he earned the rank of E-5 Sargent. Part of that time he served as Chief Cook for the Army Base which was the source of many amusing stories.

Tony graduated from Cincinnati Barber College in 1958 where Fred Whaley recruited him to come and work for him in Williamstown.  Tony was a Barber/Hairstylist in Williamstown for 62 years, where patrons came from many miles to get a great haircut and to hear Tony talk and tell his funny stories and jokes.

He was a member of St. Williams Catholic Church where he served as Eucharistic Minister and sang in the choir for many years.  Tony was also a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus.

Tony loved his Cincinnati Reds and his UK Wildcats.  He coached his sons in Little League baseball and other children in Pony League.  Tony put up a basketball hoop in the backyard from the old Walton-Verona High School and could be seen shooting hoops with his sons on many occasions.  He loved anything red in color which probably came from his wife Roberta’s red hair.

Tony helped out a great deal of people who were down on their luck by hiring them to help on building or yard projects as well as gathering wood for the winter.  He was an excellent grill master and grilled the most delicious steaks and pork chops.  He loved country music, collecting and refinishing clocks, radios and Aladdin lamps.  He enjoyed working with his wife in refinishing antique furniture for his children and grandchildren.  Tony was passionate about his chocolate ice cream and “Properly Made Iced Tea”.

Tony is survived by his 3 children, Christy Hisle (Scott) of Winchester, Mike Poole (Tina) of Louisville, and Ron Poole (Lisa) of Central City, who loved him dearly, and his 9 grandchildren, Kinsey Hisle, Megan Poole, Laurin Hisle, Allie Poole, Mark Hisle, Van Poole, Nick Poole, Emma Poole and Sami Poole.

Visitation will be from 3PM to 6PM Tuesday January 2nd, at St. Williams Catholic Church, 6 Church Street, Williamstown, KY 41097.  Funeral Mass will follow at 6:30PM.

Burial at graveside will be at 11AM Wednesday January 3rd, Kentucky Veteran’s Cemetery North, 205 Eibeck Lane, Williamstown, KY 41097. The funeral procession will start at Elliston-Stanley Funeral Home, 500 North Main Street, Williamstown, KY 41097

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Williams Catholic Church, 6 Church Street, Williamstown, KY 41097.