Ben Tom Poling

Ben Tom Poling, age 80, of West Branch passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 with his family at his side. Tom had lived in West Branch most of his life and graduated from West Branch High School. He attended Michigan Tech in Marquette and served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Washington, DC during the Korean Conflict as a military policeman. He was a member and past Master of the Masonic Lodge and past patron of the Order of Eastern Star; as well as, a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in West Branch. He was a former insurance agent and retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 30 years. Tom enjoyed bowling, playing cards, golfing and was a practical joker. Tom is survived by his wife Carolee Poling of West Branch, children Steven (Ok Pun) Poling of Standish, Todd (Edna) Poling of Marietta GA and Tanya (Mark) Twigg of Windsor, Ontario, 8 grandchildren, Ryan, Jeremy, Travis, Martina, Claudio, Emily, Allison and Ashley. Also surviving is his sister, Mary Ida Jackson, sister in laws, Marlene Bamfield, Jean Lucas and Joan Poling all of West Branch and Elaine Lucas of Alger, brother in law, David (Nona) Lucas of West Branch and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Gregory Troy Poling, his parents Stacey and Lena Poling and brothers, Stacey Poling and Paul Poling. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in West Branch. Rev. Philip A. Seitz will officiate. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church.