Charles Poor

Charles “Charley” Poor, 20, of Moline, Illinois, died Sunday, March 10, 2024, as the result of an accidental drowning while on Spring Break in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 29, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12^th Street, Moline, with The Rev. Kathy Lawes officiating.  Visitation is 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28.  Memorial gifts may be made to Hope United Church of Christ, 3324 41^st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or via www.HopeUCCQC.org. 

Charles Victor Daniel Poor was born on April 2, 2003 at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, to proud parents Robert Wesley and Santina Sophia (Stava) Poor.  He graduated from Moline High School in 2021.  At the time of his passing, Charley was attending George Washington University (GWU) in Washington D.C., pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with a focus on Economics, which he was set to receive in May upon the completion of his third year.  

While attending GWU, he had many interests and many friends, and was delighted to explore our nation’s capital.  Charley's interests were as diverse as they were profound.  Charley found joy in cooking for his family and many friends and listening to a wide variety of music.  He was an avid (if not very physically talented) member of the GWU Boxing Club.   Family, friends, and teammates described him as "welcoming, quirky, hairy, charismatic, so freaking smart and funny."  He radiated authenticity, fearlessness, and confidence.  Charley's kind and inclusive nature endeared him to all who knew him, as he affirmed and celebrated the uniqueness of every individual, fostering connections and community wherever he went.  His family is especially thankful for the love and joy Charley experienced over nearly three years through the companionship of his lovely and beautiful girlfriend, Mikaela Cyan Jackson.

From a young age, Charley displayed a tremendous intellect and curiosity.  Teaching himself to read at three, his parents quickly realized they had an exceptional child on their hands.  In first grade, his advanced vocabulary prompted his teacher to devise special spelling tests for him, a testament to his talent and hunger for knowledge.  A wide variety of subjects including world history, politics, financial matters, vintage maps and cars, the Cold War, the intelligence community, jazz and hip hop, cybersecurity, and military technology and strategy fascinated Charley.  His capacity for retaining arcane information was unmatched, complemented by his exceptional writing skills.

Above all else, Charley held his family in the highest regard.  His loving, kind, and gentle heart endeared him to his loved ones, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Charley is survived by his parents, Robert and Santina Poor of Moline; his brothers and best friends, Lewis Poor and their wife, Julian Oxford-Lannholm, of Chicago, Illinois, and Martin “MJ” Poor of Moline; his grandmothers, Wanda Poor of Carol Stream, Illinois, and Joan Stava of Las Vegas, Nevada; and his much-loved girlfriend and companion, Mikaela Jackson of Los Angeles, California; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Wesley Poor and Robert Stava, and his uncle, Jeff Stava.

In this time of profound loss, may we find solace in the cherished memories of Charley's vibrant spirit and enduring love.  He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, humor, intellect, and kindness that will continue to inspire and uplift those he touched.

Stories and condolences may be shared at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.