Edwin Keith Poling

Keith was born September 29, 1939 in Moorefield West Virginia to Harry and Minnie Poling. At age 6 the family moved to Delphos, Ohio where he went from the 1st to 12th grades with the same friends. He graduated in 1958.

After graduation he started his lineman career with Ohio Power Co. and they held his job when he had to go in the army for 2 years. He loved those 2 years in the military, and left to go back to his career. Winters are cold in Ohio and he spent years working in pouring rain, blizzards, and ice storms. In 1975 he moved to Phoenix and started his 30 years with Arizona Public Service, exchanging the ice storms for searing heat. He was down working in a manhole the year it hit 122 degrees. He loved his years as a lineman and foreman and often said. "It was a very good ride."' He retired in 2008 at age 69 after suffering a stroke.

Keith was a hard worker, starting at age 9 setting pins in a bowling alley. He moved on at age 13 working in a gas station which began his lifelong love of vehicles. any vehicle! If it had a wheel on it, he loved it and loved working on it. Bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, ATVs, golf carts, RVs-- --he could fix them all. He rode motorcycles until he was in his mid-70s.

Keith was a man who loved his family, working long, hard days but also coaching teams when he could. He was at every event, whether baseball, football, choir concerts, cheer tryouts, or band performances. He loved the kids and their friends as well.

He would want us to remember him as having a strong work ethic and for his honesty, his great kindness to everyone, his generosity, his patience, and his loyalty to those in his care. Most of all he would want to be remembered as a Christian man, husband, and father. Not just on Sundays, but every day of his life. His children were in worship any time the church doors opened whether they wanted to be or not! The Church meant so much to him and he spent years teaching children's classes and adult classes, song leading, 25 years as Treasurer, mopping floors or cleaning restrooms—he did what was needed with a humble, loving heart.

Keith leaves behind his wife of almost 40 years. Anita Phelps Poling; children Shaun, Jay (Melissa), Joel, David (Patti) Shockley, Thomas Shockley, and Elizabeth (Brad) Ford; Grandchildren Tiffany Cabral, Jessica Gaybris, Megan Shockley, Aubrey Frear, Carson Frear, Jadon Ford, Joshua, Jonathan, Logan and Kaylee Poling. 4 great-grandchildren Drake, Scarlet, Emma and Rebecca. His sister Betty Altenburger and brother Bob Poling also survive. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Gary Poling.

Our loss was Heaven's gain. His passing leaves a huge hole in the family but we will go forward trying to honor him with our lives and knowing he will hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant."'

A visitation for Edwin will be held Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at West Olive Church of Christ, 10935 W Olive Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345. A funeral service will occur Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 10935 W Olive Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345. A committal service will occur Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com for the Poling family.