Was born on June 7, 1977, to Russell Alan Poole, Sr. and Linda Dianne Poole, nee Thomas in St. Louis. Mo. Russ departed this life on January 26, 2023, at the age of 45. Russ leaves his wife, Lora Utterback Poole, two sons, Colin Matthew Poole and Brendan Michael Poole, his parents, Russ Sr. and Linda, all of the home; In laws, Steve and Debby Utterback of St. Clair, sister-in-law, Amanda Utterback Simpkins (Wayne) of House Springs; brother-in-law, Robert Utterback (Audrey) of Monmouth, Illinois; nieces, Brooklyn Simpkins, Brittany Groaning, Sally Utterback, Penny Utterback; nephew, Braeden Simpkins; uncle, Ronald E. Poole (Jenny) of Cedar Hill, John D. Poole (Linda) of Pocatello, IL; Donna Brown of Worden, IL; and beloved cousins and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by two aunts, Connie Wood of Sedalia, MO and Carolyn Stapleton of Arizona.
Following high school graduation from Gateway in St. Louis, Russ furthered his education to become a medical technician. Following graduation, he worked for several years in a pediatrician’s office. During this time, he was united in marriage to Lora Elizabeth Utterback on April 25, 2002. While still at the pediatric office, Russ attended the police academy at night, graduating to work as a reserve officer in Cool Valley until he was hired full time on the Edmundson Police Department. For a short time, Russ moved to the Desoto Police Department, but returned to his home department of Edmundson. Russ served as a police officer for 15+ years, 11 of them in the city of Edmundson.
Russ was a devoted husband and father. Russ treasured his family time and loved making memories with his boys. Whatever the endeavor, Russ put forth a carefully executed plan. He was one of quick wit and always responsive to the needs of others.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Pastor Scott Lohse and the Edmundson Police Department for all their help and support during this time. Russ’s memory will live on in all those he touched.
Serving as a police officer was Russ’s live long dream. He had a wealth of experiences in that role and loved his police family. Memorial donations may be made to Edward Jones for the benefit of a college fund to be established for Colin and Brendan Poole.
Memorial Donations can be made by check payable to Edward Jones. On the memo line, it should indicate “FBO Colin and Brendan Poole.” Checks can be mailed to Edward Jones Financial Advisor Katie Schonaerts at 506 A South Lincoln Ave, Union, MO 64084.
Services; Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry) on Sat. February 4th from 10AM until service at 2PM. Then process to The Edmundson Police Department and back to Kutis South County.
My deepest condolences to the family of Russell. He was such a wonderful friend! I will cherish every single memory! He is greatly missed! Sending love and prayers!
Rest easy Lt. We have the watch.
Cpl. Gerald Allemann, 247
Breckenridge Hills P.D.
With the passing of Russ it was like losing my own son. I was his work mom. I still can not believe it. He was so full of life and love. I have known other officers that have passed, but this one hit me hard. I will miss him greatly.
Hi Lora,
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this trying time.
His mother and I grew up together, I use to babysit him when he was a baby even know he was a grown man I always called him little Russell ❤️ he had such a caring heart.
It’s hard to believe this is true my heart goes out to the family. RIP little Russell
Russ will be missed, he was one of the best officers, caring, loving, wanted nothing but good things for his family , friends and Edmundson police family, he took pride in serving his residents, he helped me many many through the years, tried to help my family, was always there with that smile. on his face. Till we meet again I will miss you.
Although our visits were not like I would have liked them to be,Russ and his family holds a special place in my heart, and the thought of this has broke my heart, my love and prayers go out to his family, and little Russell RIP and may you and “jelly bean” meet again. Love you all!!
For those interested in making memorial donations:
Memorial Donations can be made by check payable to Edward Jones. On the Memo line, it should indicated “FBO Colin and Brendan Poole.” The checks can be mailed to Edward Jones Financial Advisor Katie Schonaerts at 506 A South Lincoln Ave, Union, MO 63084
Lora, you and your boys are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Russ.
He was my chooch, a piece of my heart died with his passing. I pray that our faith will help us bear the loss of such a precious soul. And until we meet again cousin I love you beyond this world.
Lori – I don’t have words that will ease the pain. I’m praying every night for you, Colin and Brendan to help get you through the loss of Russ. So many times, we shared stories about our husbands and their job in Law Enforcement. It was uneasy at times. My heart breaks for you. I’m here for you.
Lora – I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lora,
I am so so sorry to hear of your great loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your boys. If I can do anything to help you? Please let me know anytime.
My deepest condolences to the family.
His mother and I grew up together and I remember when he was born. I do know how much he is loved by his parents and how proud they are of him. Little Russell RIP. My prayers go out to all of his family.
Russ, as with other folks we know, we met you through one of our children. You became a close friend to Trevor and consequently to the rest of our family. We’ll always remember what a big, kind heart you always had. All we ever had to do, was to say, “we need you” and you would be right there by our side. Very proud of you. Our thoughts are with Lora, Colin, Brendan and all of your grieving family. You will be greatly missed!
Uncle Russ, Aunt Linda, Lora, Colin and Brendan,
Words can’t express how sorry we are for your loss. Not that words would help anyway…
I will always remember the sweet, hyper, curly haired little cousin I played with as a child…little Russ..Chooch. 🙂
And I have always been, & always will be, so very proud of his service to MO and our country.
I’m sad we couldn’t be there with you now, but know they we are sending love & prayers your way every day. We love you all very much.
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted , he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Psalms 34:18
Your family in Idaho – Jen, Brandon, Gibson, Olivia, Ashlyn, Tiffani, Mason, Tatum & Hudson
I’m going to miss russ a lot because he was the one police officer that came to our house when something bad happens. He will forever be loved .Rip Russell allan poole♥i am only 9. But i still care about his death.♥
Russell Poole I could not ask for a better friend! In your passing you will continue to protect and watch are Six! So I ask “St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. Be our safe guard against the wicked snarl of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray and do thou, may God cast Satan and evil spirit prowl the earth for the ruin of souls. Amen!”