Johnny Von Poole

Johnny Von Poole, age 66, of Winnsboro, moved home to heaven on November 2, 2023. He was born on May 8, 1957, in Monaghan, Texas, to Jerry Poole and Hila (Horton) Poole. Johnny was a 1975 graduate of Winnsboro High school and attended classes at Tyler Junior College.

Johnny always said that he didn’t know what he wanted to be when he grew up. He refused to get old. He could not be classified by a single job; he had multiple occupations in which he was proficient. A few of those endeavors included farming/ranching, welder, carpenter, electrician, oilfield roustabout company and oilfield hand, poultry producer, artist, worship leader and most importantly loving father and the best husband in the world (according to his wife). He could “fix” almost anything, and when he couldn’t or didn’t have time, he knew exactly who to call. He had a heart and passion for helping hurting people, especially widows and disaster victims. Everyone that knew him knew that he would be the first one on the scene to help and the last one to leave if they had a problem. Many times, people’s problems were fixed, and they had no clue who did it. He was cofounder and Director in charge of labor and construction (self-appointed title), and PR person (Problem remover), for a ministry call Hooves and Halos. With his wife Johnette, they founded and coordinated this ministry that reached out to all kinds of people that need to know the love of Jesus. Everything moved in or built in the “Woods” where the ministry holds events, was accomplished by him. He created the ramps from scratch with no drawings or plans, just what he had in his head. He was a genius at seeing a project and seeing it through with no plans on paper. Everything would turn out perfectly straight and level. He and his wife spent almost every day working together. Their favorite “jobs” were working cows and doing their tractor dance in the hayfields.

Church was always an integral part of Johnny’s life. He felt that his calling was to lead singing. He started this when he was about 11 years old with his grandmother playing piano and teaching him everything he needed to know to serve the Lord in this capacity. He and his wife were currently serving at Wood County Cowboy Church.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother Mae Poole. His father Jerry Poole. He is survived by his wife of 23 years Johnette (Gandy) Poole; his mother Hila (Horton) Poole; sons Jacob Poole and wife Ashley; Joshua Poole; daughter Kasie Poole; sister Julie Friday and husband Tom; six grandchildren and many other family members.

The celebration of life will be held Wednesday, November 8th at Wood County Cowboy Church, 3435 FM 2088, Quitman, Texas. Visitation at 1pm, service at 2pm, with burial at Hepsibah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Johnny’s wish was that people donate to Hooves and Halos by going to the website Hoovesandhalos.org.