Jack Vernon Poe, Dad, Big Jack, Grandpa (86) of Pottsboro came into this world like a lion and out like a lamb. Jack passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on January 6, 2024.
Jack Poe was born in Pasadena, Texas, the oldest son of Hillard and Mildred (French) Poe. He met the love of his life, Wanda (Williams) Poe in junior high and married on February 13th, 1954. They were making plans to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary next month. Jack and Wanda lived on Airforce bases in Mississippi, Maine, and Oklahoma while he served as an air traffic controller and was honored for his achievements and for going beyond the call of duty, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant for heroic actions.
After seven years of service and returning to civilian life, Jack and Wanda settled in the Dallas area where Jack’s curiosity led him into many entrepreneurial endeavors. From Colony House and Salad master Cookware to owning an Exxon gas station, to Honda motorcycle rentals then dealerships where he was the Texas number one Honda motorcycle dealer for ten years throughout the 70’s. During this time, Jack and Wanda enjoyed many trips to Japan and spending their free weekends at Lake Texoma.
Jack and Wanda started Video Giant, a successful chain of Video Stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Florida. It was during this time when Jack partnered with Patti’s husband Ken Stone, and Wanda to grow the business to a large chain that they would eventually sell to West Coast Video.
La Palatera was their final business venture and Jack retired in 2015. But, like most entrepreneurs, Jack continued to work on some new way to connect consumers with products.
In his spare time, he was passionate about traveling to Japan, Las Vegas, the Caribbean, Chama NM., Ouray CO. and the million-dollar pass, the North Rim UT, and his all-time favorite, Cozumel. He also grew beautiful roses. Jack loved to read, learn about history, especially the wars of the world, study maps and explore the roots and meanings of words.
He is remembered fondly by his loving wife Wanda, children Jack Van Poe (Betsy), Donald Poe (Rhonda), Ronald Poe, and Patti Stone (Ken). There are 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren and 2 great- greats and counting. His work ethic and self-sufficiency were passed on to his children.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Mildred, a brother, Bobby and sister Pam Barnhart and son David Poe.
A memorial service to celebrate Jack’s life will be held Saturday, January 13th at 1:30 pm. at Georgetown Baptist Church in Pottsboro, Texas.
May Jack Vernon Poe rest in eternal peace, his memory forever cherished and his spirit forever alive in the hearts of those who loved him.
The family would like to thank the amazing nurses and doctors at Texoma Medical Center and Cedar Hollow for their extraordinary loving care.
