Hard work on the farm. That's the stuff that Orient pastor Ed Pool was weaned on. That, and a strong religious faith that would eventually lead to his ministering for 36 years.
Along the way he held jobs where his efforts made a major impact on those around him. He never backed away from a challenge, regardless of the degree of difficulty it imposed.
Pool related his brief “autobiography” to the West Frankfort Lions Club Thursday during their regular luncheon meeting at the Franklin County Senior Services Center.
Pool is a nine-year member of the local Lions, having been invited to join by former Orient mayor Mario Allois.
During his speech he held the pride's interest while describing some intense situations he encountered while serving four years as a labor relations representative for AFSCME, working mostly in southern Illinois. He was also a fearless civic activist who never hesitated to personally take on the political establishment alone, or by forming a citizen's watchdog group.
The minister was born in Chambersburg, Illinois, a small town on route 4, near Quincy, in Pike County.
For more on this story, pick up a print copy of the Friday edition of the Daily American.
