Wilton Herman Poolman

Wilton Herman Poolman (Wilt) passed away October 25, 2015 at Washington Odd Fellows Home, 534 Boyer Ave., Walla Walla, WA.

Wilt was born to Peter and Grace Jackson Poolman on May 15, 1918 in Monroe, Washington. Wilt grew up in Granite Falls, Washington where he attended grade school and high school. In addition to being a successful student, Wilt became a highly regarded athlete. He excelled in both baseball and basketball. Graduating from high school as class salutatorian, he delivered the commencement speech at his graduation ceremony.

After attending the University of Washington for one year, Wilt enrolled at Western Washington State College where he graduated with a degree in Education in 1940. He began his teaching career in Granite Falls.

While attending WWSC, Wilt met the love of his life, Marie Krause. She also graduated with a degree in education. Christmas Eve, 1941, Wilt and Marie married in Spokane.

In 1942, Wilt enlisted in the Army Air Corp. After serving at several US locations, he was transferred to Germany. In 1946, he was discharged having achieved the rank of captain and returned to a teaching job in Dayton, Washington.

From 1946 through 1957, Wilt served as classroom teacher, principle and/or superintendent in a number of grade schools within Washington. In 1957, he joined the Highline School District in Burien, Washington where he worked until his retirement in 1975. In 1977, Wilt and Marie moved to Waitsburg.

Away from work, Wilt spent his time fishing, golfing, bowling, making wooden toys, and enthusiastically supporting the University of Washington and Mariners sports teams. Wilt was a longtime member of the Elks Club where he was a renowned ballroom dancer. Also, he was a longtime member of the Blue Mountain Shrine Club where he held various offices, organized clinics for children to be considered for treatment at the Shriner’s Orthopedic Hospital and rode in the Shrine Cycle Patrol.

Wilt is survived by three children; Bill Poolman (JoAnn), Diane Sabin (Darryl), and Peter Poolman. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Julie Poolman (Nick Jackson), Kim Armstrong (Glen Campbell), Rick Sabin (Wendy), Doug Burkhalter (Andrea), and Nicholas Poolman. Also surviving are ten great grandchildren; Ellie, Joshua, Jacob, Sierra, Max, Noah, Kelsey, Sara, Remy, and Gavin.

Wilt was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie; brother, Kenneth; daughter, Mary Lou; and special friend, Dorothy.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday November 7, 2015 at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 West Alder, Walla Walla. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Orthopedic Hospital in Spokane through the funeral home.