Byrl "Gene" G. Poling

Mr. Byrl G. “Gene” Poling, 84, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at Elkhart General Hospital on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019 at 2:20 am. He was born Dec. 26, 1934 in Elkhart to the late Robert and Hazel (Butler) Poling, and later married Patricia “Pat” Cook on Feb. 14, 1996 in Elkhart. She precedes him in death along with his second spouse, Betty Jean (McGrew) and 9 brothers and sisters.

Other survivors include his children Ricki (Rachel) Poling, Vicki Poling, Carla Cottey, Sherry (Don) Wolfinger, Tammie (Roger) Duffy and Teresa (Kenny) Krise; brother James (Carol) Poling, 8 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and his first spouse, Mary Ellen Christophel.

Gene’s memorial celebration of life service will be held Friday, Nov. 15, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart, with visitation beginning at 12 noon. Pastor Mike Peters of Bethany Missionary Church will officiate and burial will follow at Stony Point Cemetery in Etna Green. Military honors will be rendered at the funeral home by the USAF Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart DAV 19.

Gene was a truck driver for many years, and loved to fix and build things including garages, houses and even a portion of his church. He was also a talented tenor and enjoyed singing with his church’s gospel quartet. He was also a US Army veteran and served as a paratrooper.

On-line condolences may reach the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. Memorial donations may be given in Gene’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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