POLING

Doyle E. Poling, 86, of Van Wert, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2009, in Land O’Lakes, Fla.

He was born June 3, 1923, in Van Wert, the son of the late Homer and Susie (Reid) Poling. After his parents died when he was a child, he was raised during the Great Depression by his grandmother, the late Emma Poling.

Mr. Poling was a graduate of Hoaglin-Jackson High School and was a World War II veteran. He served as chief engineer and gunner on a B-17 bomber until his plane was shot down over Germany while on his 31st mission. He parachuted to safety but was captured and held as a POW until being liberated at the end of the war. Mr. Poling received two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Flying Cross and several other medals for his service.

Soon after returning from the war, Mr. Poling started his own construction company. For nearly 40 years, he built over 100 homes and commercial properties in the Van Wert area. Mr. Poling was a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, American Legion Post 178 and other organizations.

Survivors include four sons, Gary (Gerry) Poling and Steven (Carole) Poling, both of Palm Harbor, Fla., Dennis Poling of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Bruce Poling of Mechanicsville, Va.; five grandchildren, Nicole, Mathew, Lauren, Alan and Kelly; and companion Irene Adams of Convoy.

Three brothers, Lloyd, Harold and Vernon Poling; a sister, Eloise Jones, and a grandson, David, also preceded him in death.

Burial will be in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla., and a memorial service commemorating the life of Mr. Poling will be held in Van Wert at a later date.

There will be no visitation.