CLAUDE ELLSWORTH POOLE, 94, of Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at Fahrney-Keedy Nursing Home. He was born December 27, 1911, in Williamsport, Maryland, the son of the late Harry Eugene and Anna May (Byrum) Poole. Mr. Poole was a lifelong resident of Washington County. He was preceded in death in 1983 by his beloved wife of 53 years, Isabelle (Clark) Poole. For many years, Mr. Poole was employed by Warner Brother Theaters, with his principal responsibility being manager of the Colonial Theater in Hagerstown. Later, he served as Chief Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County, from which retired in 1982. Mr. Pool was a member of the First Christian Church. Mr. Poole was a member of the AF&AM Friendship Lodge 84, York Rite, Scottish Rite, 32nd Degree Mason and Ali Ghan Shrine. In their leisure time, Mr. Poole and his wife enjoyed their fine collection of music, books and primitive art, and loved solving challenging crossword puzzles. Favorite family memories include, "Mawdie" and "Pawdie" and their young grandchildren exploring the wonders of Lake Ontario in upstate New York and, in later years, the fun vacations on Maryland' Eastern Shore. He is survived by one daughter, Joan P. Waterbury of New Haven, New York; four grandchildren, Edwin and wife Robin Waterbury of Hannibal, N.Y., Lee Anne Waterbury of Rome, N.Y., Douglas and wife Carol Waterbury of Oswego, N.Y., and James Waterbury of Richland, N.Y.; four great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Elizabeth, Isabella and William Waterbury, all of Oswego, N.Y.; several nieces, and nephews, including Harry R. Poole, Jr. of Bahama, N.C., C. Kingsley Poole and Kevin L. Poole of Hagerstown. Mr. Poole was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother. Additionally, Mr. Poole is survived by special friends, Angela Gum and Jessie Gum of Hagerstown. Family and friends may call Sunday, October 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown. A Masonic memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, October 23, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Fred M. Harris will officiate. Interment will be in Rest Haven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Mr. Poole's memory to First Christian Church, 1345 Potomac Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742.