Oman Darlese Pounds

October 25, 1936 - May 13, 2021

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved father, Oman Pounds. Deceased at age 84, shortly after a diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer. He was fondly called Honey, Dad, Grandpa, Papa and Pops. He loved us well and made sure to tell us so, every time we parted or ended a phone conversation. He equally loved in laws, extended family and friends and was himself a loyal friend to many. Dad was born in a small township in Oklahoma and was number 2 of 5 children. His parents, Leonard and Jewel moved the family to California when Oman was about 3 years old. They eventually landed in Tulare where he attended various schools. Dad had a best friend and classmate, Glen Herrin who just happened to have the prettiest and sweetest sister, Bettye Lou. She happily became his wife, business partner, cheer leader and best friend for over 60 years. Together, dad and mom became parents to three children, plus a neighborhood of kiddos. Our home was ever filled with love that spilled over to many who walked through the door of their welcoming home. They were great examples to us of working hard, being grateful for what we had, for accomplishments and of loving one another through it all and making life work together. Dad was patient but highly disliked a few characteristics found in humans: lying, selfish entitlement, know it all attitudes, irresponsibility, and laziness. He stated his first paid job at age 12, along with cousin Dub, was shooting anything that didn't belong in the crop fields. After that he bucked and hauled hay, fruit, vegetables and palm trees. Dad began working as a full-time truck driver when he was only 16 years old. He went on to work with his father at the Tulare Irrigation District and then with the Tulare County Road Department for over 20 years. We remember dad working 2 or 3 jobs to have extra funds, being our home mechanic, handyman and rarely taking time to enjoy hobbies he loved like hunting, fishing or playing baseball. In 1979, after years of planning and debate, he and mom began Pounds Construction. He chip-sealed roads all over the San Joaquin Valley, the Canal systems, for the Forestry and in Nevada; it was on these jobs he loved hiring his "old cronies and some of their wives", spending time with them reminiscing and even allowing some youngsters to come and learn. Dad believed in jobs being done with integrity, honesty and demanded the same of every employee therefore earning a reputation to be admired and trusted. He enlarged the company, adding diesel trucks and later, consulting work. His dream of self-employment allowed more time for those hobbies and the traveling they loved. They also enjoyed bowling leagues for many years, their teammates and trips together. Dad had some great stories to tell including he (about 4 years old) and his brother Billy Gene being held in a Roadside Jail for breaking a neighbor's chicken eggs. The sheriff left them there to "learn a lesson", while the sheriff ate dinner with their parents and laughed about their "charges". Upon letting the boys out of jail, the sheriff took them to get ice cream and told them they better straighten up. Dad would tell this to every grandkid and we never got tired of listening. Left to carry on loving the family, is daughter Darla (David), son Darren (Kim), adopted as son Jamie (Tonya); oodles of granddaughters, grandsons, and 8 great grands. Dad was the last of his 5 siblings to pass. He looked forward to the heavenly reunion with our mom Bettye, our sister Paula and the many family members and friends who have gone on before him. During one of our last conversations, dad expressed with tears how blessed and honored he felt to have loving Family. So many never experience it, he said. Dad, we will grieve your loss deeply, because we have loved you fiercely. "A Dad is someone who Holds you when you cry, Scolds you when your break the rules, Shines with pride when you succeed, and has Faith in you even when you fail" by: Author Unknown Thank you to all who have expressed their condolences, shared fond memories, showed up to hug us, brought us beautiful flowers and fed us with loving kindness. Arrangements are under the direction of Salser and Dillard Funeral Home, Visalia, California. A viewing is scheduled for Friday morning, the 21st from 9am to 10am and a Graveside service at the E. Kern Street, Tulare Cemetery at 11am.