Galen D. Pool, 90, died surrounded by family on July 28, 2025, in his home in O'Fallon, Ill. He was the beloved husband of Shirley L. Pool (nee Heitbrink) for 56 years. Shirley preceded him in death.

Galen is survived by daughters, Gala (Steven) Gahr and Penny (David) Cooper; granddaughters Lauren (Michael Zadroga) Ruth, Jordan (Patrick) Dennis, Morgan (Lucas) Pritz, and Madelyn Cooper; great-grandchildren Maura and Claire Dennis, Sofia Zadroga, and Max Pritz. He is also survived by his younger brother, Byron Pool.

Galen was the seventh child of Virgil and Helen Pool, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are siblings Virginia Robinson, Doris Eckhoff, Virgil Pool, Dean Pool, Edwin Pool, and Lyle Pool.

Growing up on a farm outside Chambersburg, Ill., Galen helped to tend to the livestock–chickens, cows, sheep, pigs, and horses. Later, he moved to Chambersburg with his family where he attended Meredosia-Chambersburg High School and was active in sports. It was here that he met classmate and later sweetheart Shirley Heitbrink. They married following high school. Eventually, Galen worked for National Starch and Chemical Corporation for 35 years, making lifelong friendships with his co-workers along the way. In 2010, Galen and Shirley moved to O'Fallon, Ill. to be near children and grandchildren. A man who never knew a stranger, Galen easily integrated into the O'Fallon community and made many friends over the years.

Any contributions in Galen's memory may be made to Faith Lutheran Community Meals (520 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269) or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Association (pulmonaryfibrosis.org).

The family will receive friends at 10 am, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, 520 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon, Illinois, with a memorial service to follow at 11 am, with Rev. Candice Wassell officiating. A reception will follow at the church.

A graveside service will be held 11 am, Monday, September 15, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, East of Meredosia, Ill.

The Wolfersberger Funeral Home in O'Fallon, Ill., and The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in  Meredosia, Ill. are serving the Pool family. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.