Richard Lavelle Pool
April 3, 1945 – September 14, 2025
Richard Lavelle Pool, age 80, of Eros, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Richard was a simple man who found joy in life’s everyday blessings. He loved mowing grass, hunting, and fishing, and was well known for making the best pork sausage. A generous soul, he shared firewood and vegetables from his garden with much of Jackson Parish. Richard also loved to sing a cappella at church and cherished the companionship of his beloved dog, “Pork Chop.”
Richard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlotte (Taylor) Pool; children, Stephanie Hunt (Mike), Henry “Bo” Pool (Lisa), Danielle Roark and Brandy Pool; bonus daughter, Donna Ferguson (James); grandchildren, Justin Roark, Taylor Chestnut (Chance), Camden Mire, Jace Sheldon, Meagan Burnaman (Brad) and Hayden Mire; 2 great-grandchildren and one on the way, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, O.W. Pool; mother, Letha Vivian (Thompson) Pool; and numerous brothers and sisters.
A graveside service was held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Salem Cemetery in Eros, Louisiana. Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro, Louisiana. A celebration of life took place at Caney Lake Baptist Church near Weston, Louisiana, immediately following the graveside service.
Serving as pallbearers were Justin Pool, Camden Mire, Chance Chestnut, Justin Roark, James Ferguson, and Chris Parker. Honorary pallbearers was Lavelle “Bo” Pool and Cayle Guillory.
Paul E. Gresham
February 16, 1937 – September 13, 2025
Funeral services for Paul E. Gresham, age 88 of Quitman, LA, was held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Sweetwater Baptist Church with Bro. Stuart Toms and Dr. Wilton Wall officiating. Interment followed in Sweetwater Baptist Church Cemetery in Quitman, LA, under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Paul, known as Bobby, Red, and his favorite, Poppy, to his family and friends, was born February 16, 1937, in Quitman, LA, and passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025, at his home in Quitman, LA. Paul accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1957 at Sweetwater Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a deacon in 1968 and served faithfully until his health prevented him from doing so. He retired after 39 years of working at Smurfit Stone in Hodge, LA. After his retirement, Paul was able to fully devote his time to his love for cattle ranching (he never met a cow he did not like), vegetable gardening, and raising the most beautiful roses. Paul loved to have family and friends come and fish his catfish pond, and he loved to share with others what God had blessed him with.
Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Yvonne Alexander Gresham; parents, Arch Gresham and Mary (May) Gresham Diffey; brothers, J.D. Gresham and Joseph Edward Gresham; sisters, Bessie Gresham and Shirley Gresham; and his niece, Janie Coats.
Paul is survived by his wife of 27 years, CoyNell; daughters: Renee and husband Gilbert Pickens, Pamela and husband Tim Buckelew, Paula and husband Rodney Thomas, Melanie and husband Wesley Crawford, and Crystal and husband Stacy Stewart; grandchildren: Emily and husband Steve Gatlin, Suzanna and husband Shane Burris, Morgan and husband Daniel Dison, Tanner Buckelew, Jason Brown and wife Melissa, Carrie Brown, Nicholas Brown and wife Kele, Kandi Crawford, Ashley and husband Cole Britt, Lydia Crawford, Haley Stewart, Emma Stewart, and Lindsay Stewart; great-grandchildren: Ellie Burris, Mollie Burris, Hadley Gatlin, Brooks Dison, Evangeline Dison, Bodie Dison, Henley Buckelew, Granger Brown, and Beckham Brown; sister, Charlotte Geter; nephew, Keith Geter; niece, Judy and husband Jerry Miller; and a host of friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Jason Brown, Nicholas Brown, Tanner Buckelew, Steve Gatlin, Shane Burris, and Daniel Dison. Honorary pallbearers are the Deacons of Sweetwater Baptist Church.