Charles Eddy Poor
February 1, 1938 — October 22, 2023
Charles Eddy Poor, 85 of Taylorville, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Taylorville Care Center. He was born on February 1, 1938 in Taylorville, the son of Earl Edgar and Emily Jane (Kemp) Poor. He married Mary Lou Atkinson on May 2, 1959 in Taylorville.
Eddy graduated from Taylorville High School in 1956 and served in the Air National Guard. Eddy previously worked at My Store and as the assistant manager for A & P prior to becoming sexton of Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville where he retired after serving in that role for 17 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a former member of the Lion’s Club. He enjoyed fishing, bicycling, his dogs, and afternoon car rides to look for deer. One of Eddy’s favorite treats was the delicious chocolate ice cream from Tastee Treet. More than anything he adored his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife: Mary Lou Poor of Taylorville; daughters: Cheryl Noller (Kevin) of Raymond and Carol Tomlin (Troy) of Auburn; and grandchildren: Holly Noller, Bethany Kmety (Matt), Megan Tomlin, and Hayden Tomlin. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son: Kenneth Edward Poor; and sister: Sr. Mary Bernadette Poor.
A Funeral Mass for Eddy will take place at 11:00am on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at St Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Piotr Kosk officiating. The visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00pm on Wednesday at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or School, or Christian County Animal Control. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Eddy, or condolences to the family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
I always remember Eddy as such a polite, kind man with a warm smile.
Mr. Poor was such a sweet, gentle, kind and loving man! He and Mrs. Poor always warmly welcomed me into their cozy home and treated me as one of their family when I was over visiting my friend Cheryl. He was never rattled by our crazy antics, loud laughter and outrageousness (mostly by Cheryl so I guess he was used to it!). 😉 I was invited to stay for a few dinners as well. All were very nice experiences except for the time I accepted their offer to stay for dinner only to discover that liver was on the menu! (“Liver? Is liver a food?” I thought to myself! We didn’t have such adventurous palates at my house.). It was my first (and last) time to try liver. I wondered if it was sweet Mr. Poor’s favorite dish so I choked it down and pretended to enjoy it as much as he & everyone else somehow seemed to. It was my only negative mark against Mrs. Poor’s consistently delicious meals! Even if Mr. Poor also wasn’t a fan of liver you would have never known it. I’ve never known a nicer man who set a beautiful example of a perfect father and husband! I’m blessed to have known him! May you all be at peace in the knowledge that he was God’s true servant. And in the good fortune that he was your husband, father and grandfather!
Eddy and Marylou were my wonderful neighbors on Lawrence St., when my Children were growing up. They both are kind, caring people. Marylou, you and your family are on my heart and in my prayers. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.