Gerald Poling, Sr. age 88, passed away on October 16, 2018 at his home in Madison. He was born on August 6, 1930 to Hubert and Mary Edna “Shahan” Poling. He was a Madison High School graduate and married the love of his life Jean Ohler on November 3, 1947 in Covington KY.
Gerald was a United States Army Veteran. He was an “expert shooter” and could turn a dime sideways and hit it at 100 yards. Gerald and his wife started a masonry business 66 years ago. They enjoyed traveling and spending time at their Florida home. He had a love for animals, especially birds, and operated an exotic bird farm with birds and waterfowl, like ornamental pheasants, peacocks, macaws, storks, emu ostrich and even miniature deer. He bought and traded birds with people all over the world. Gerald especially loved his family and was so proud of them.
He is survived by his children, Rae Jean (Chuck) Burgard, Sandra (Poling) Bright, Jeri Lynn Poling-Mullen, Beverly Ann Morse; and Gerald (Nancy) Poling, Jr; 6 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Mary (Dick) Waltz; and brothers Paul (Teresa) Poling and Francis Poling.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jean of 58 years; grandson Joshua Morse; sons in law, Burtis Morse, Dennis Mullen; his parents, Hubert and Mary Edna; brothers, Robert Poling and Grant Poling; sister Judy Streets.
Friends will be received on Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 4-8 pm at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison, OH. Funeral service will be 10 am, Friday, October19, 2018 at the funeral home. Final Resting Place will be Alexander Harper Memorial Cemetery, in Unionville, where military honors will be observed.
Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com