Richard A. "Rich" Poling

Richard Allen “Rich” Poling, 73, of Grafton, WV (Webster Community), passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown. He was born in Grafton on October 1, 1950, a son of the late Leroy Brown Poling and Eloise Leah (Stead) Poling. Richard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Pamela Sue (Myers) Poling.

In addition to his wife Richard is survived by three children: Jason Ware (Carrie) of Ashland, KY, Rickee Michelle Poling of Fairmont, and Heather Poling Groen (companion Ryan Simons) of Mercersburg, PA; one brother, Michael T. Poling (Donna) of Grafton; six grandchildren: Alex Ware, Sequoia Ware, Addie Ware, Leah Groen, Jackson Groen, and Oliver Simons; and a nephew and niece: Nathan Poling and Angela Bolyard both of Grafton.

In addition to his parents Richard was preceded in death by a brother in infancy, Roger Poling.

Rich was a graduate of Grafton High School Class of 1968, then went on to Fairmont State where he earned a degree in Engineering and later also obtained a degree in Technology Education. He worked as a coal miner for 20 years at Martinka and finished at Federal No 2. He was a proud U.M.W.A. member. Rich then taught for the Taylor County Board of Education for seven years, something he greatly enjoyed. He attended The Chapel in Brunswick, GA and Church of the Good Shepherd in Grafton.

Rich was an avid recycler of all things and believed in doing your part to protect the Earth. His motto was always reuse, repurpose, and recycle. Woodworking and gardening were other passions Rich believed in, and he was quite good at both. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, or just sitting around a bonfire with family and friends. Rich was also an avid historian and loved reading about history and sharing that with others.

Family and friends will be received at the Donald G. Ford Funeral Home 950 George Washington Hwy Grafton, WV, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 10am until the funeral hour at 1pm with his bestfriend Hartsel Bright presiding. Entombment will follow at Woodsdale Memorial Park. Online condolences, www.donaldgfordfuneralhome.com The Donald G. Ford Funeral Home is honored to serve the Poling Family during their time of need.