William Donald (Don) Poore was born March 5, 1933, in Smyrna, DE and departed this life on August 16, 2024. He was the son of the late William and Elizabeth Poore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth F. Poore.
He was a veteran of the United States Army and a 1952 graduate of John Bassett Moore High School.
Mr. Poore was retired from the U.S. Dept. of Labor (OSHA) where he was a Safety/Health Compliance Officer for more than 20 years. Don and his wife, Ruth, operated their own business, Workplace Safety, Inc. from 1998-2017, which was a Safety/Health Consulting Business.
Prior to working with the Federal Government, Mr. Poore was employed with Globe Union (Johnson Controls) where he was elected and served as Committeeman, Vice-President and President of UAW Union Local 1516.
He was elected a Councilman for the Town of Clayton, DE.
Mr. Poore was very active in politics from a very young age, learning from his father, until his employment with the Federal Government. He served as a Democrat Committeeman both in Smyrna and Harrington. He was very proud to have been elected as a Delegate to the 1972 Democrat State Convention, where he was a Sherman Tribbitt Delegate for future Governor Tribbitt. Mr. Poore was a past member of the State Board of Electrical Examiners, appointed by the former Governor Jack Markell, serving two terms. He was also a member of the Delaware Board of Charitable Gaming, serving one term, appointed by Governor Carney.
Mr. Poore and his wife lived in Ocala, FL from 1994-1997. Again, he served on a Democrat Committee. He was also appointed to the Ocala Public Safety Commission. He was also elected and served on the Ocala Palms Home Owners Association, both as a Director and President.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Ruth for just shy of 47 wonderful years. Ruth was his shining light, best friend, partner and best wife a man could have been blessed with. His pleasure in life was shopping and cruising with her. To him she was his life and whole world. Mr. Poore is also survived by his son, W. Donald Poore Jr. (Donnie); grandson, Josh; great-grandson, Graeyson; niece, Sandy Poore, of South Carolina; two bonus sons, Richard Yotter (Barbara) and Christopher Yotter (Allison); grandchildren, Alexandra (Alex) Yotter, Ryan (Bud) Yotter (Samantha); Faith Yotter, former daughter-in-law Kellie Diamond and former daughter-in-law, Debbie Poore; great-grandchildren, Evan Yotter and his princess Ella Yotter. He is also survived by loving sister-in-law, Virginia (Ginny) Lindberg and brother-in-law James (Jimmy) Lindberg.
Services will be held 12 PM Saturday, August 24 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, where friends may call at 11 AM. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Smyrna.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to either Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com
Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.