Michael Poling

Michael Craig Poling, born February 24, 1951 in Circleville, was adopted by Hugh and Eleanor June (Armstrong) Poling. Michael passed away on May 31, 2023 in Florida.  He spent his whole life in Laurelville until 2013 when he became a snowbird, spending the winters in Port Orange, Florida. Florida was Mike’s happy place. He graduated Laurelville High School in 1969 and was married to Rebecca Lynn Fortner on August 2, 1975.

Mike had many interests, always curious about life and a jack of all trades. If something could be fixed, Mike could figure out a way to fix it. He was extremely resourceful and made all types of gadgets to not let anything go to waste. Mike and Becky enjoyed traveling on their Harley Davidson motorcycles. They had been in almost all 48 continental states. When Mike had a stroke about 10 years ago, they bought a trike so they could continue to ride. He also enjoyed Scuba diving, NASCAR and OSU football. Mike loved going to the Pumpkin Show each year and enjoying all the food. This was the last place he visited in Ohio before going to Florida in the fall of 2022.

Mike worked at Purina in Circleville where he was an electrician for over 20 years, then retired from DSCC in Columbus where he worked an additional 20 years. He was also Chief of Police in Laurelville and an Auxiliary Officer in Hocking County in the early 1980’s. He belonged to the HOG chapters of Chillicothe and New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Moose Lodge and Eagles.

His favorite thing was spending time with his daughter and grandchildren and his beloved dog, Gracie who died in 2014. He loved taking them camping, rides on the motorcycle and attending their sporting events.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents Hugh and June Poling. Mike is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Fortner) Poling, daughter Sabrina Bohl, granddaughter Madelyn and grandson Austin, sister-in-law Rachel Brown Fortner, and many other nieces and nephews.    Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Wellman Funeral Home, Laurelville with burial to follow in Green Summit Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Friday in Laurelville from 1-3 p.m.  Memorial contributions are suggested to First Church of God 25822 St Rt 159, Circleville, Oh 43113.

Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.