New Braunfels/Plano, TX – Ronald D. “Ron” Poling, age 79 passed away unexpectedly at his home with his loving wife by his side on Thursday, September 19, 2024. He was born on August 10, 1945, the son of Laurel E. and Eunice K. (Fast) Poling in Battle Creek, Michigan. In 1963, Ron graduated from Battle Creek Central High School where he was an award-winning wrestler ranking in the top three wrestlers in the state of Michigan.
Ron proudly served in the United States Navy as hospital Corpsman from 1964 to 1966. Following his enlistment in the military, Ron, obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Michigan University where he served as a wrestling coach while he student taught at Pennfield High School. Then he earned his master’s in physical education from Eastern Kentucky University where he met the love of his life, Gail L. Workman. He began his education career at Pikeville College, Pikeville, KY, as head of the Physical Education Department. Ron was united in marriage to Gail Poling on January 22, 1977 in Clintwood, Virginia.
He also served as recreation director at the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Instruments and Mostek. For seven years Ron served as Executive Director of Plano Sports Authority, a youth sports organization in Plano,TX, and finished his career in executive positions of nonprofit trade organizations.
In Ron’s spare time, he enjoyed running and began participating in marathons. He proudly competed in the White Rock and Cow Town Marathons multiple times. His enthusiasm for wrestling continued through his military career. Ron thoroughly enjoyed coaching youth sports and playing racket ball. He designed and constructed many significant home-improvement projects including building cabinets. He loved crafting pens and gifting them to special people in his life.
Upon moving to New Braunfels TX, he was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. While living in Plano, TX, he was a member of Northway Christian Church, Dallas, TX. Even though his time with us was cut short, he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Gail Poling; his three children, Diana (Rob) Mitchell, Deborah (Bob) Evans and Laura (Patrick) Braun, eight grandchildren; Jessica (Riley) Craver, Perry (Allie) Mitchell, Jenni (Brock) Waller, Danika Evans, Matigan Evans, Nick Evans, Harvey Evans and Parker Braun, seven great grandchildren; Brooklyn and Makayla Craver, Delilah and Liam Mitchell and Mackenzie, Madison and Masyn Waller and one brother; LaVern (Linda) Poling and four sisters; Marlene Riggle, Barbara Simpkins (Bill), Karen (Dennis) Ridge and Patricia (Jeff) Slonecker. He is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters: Dolores Case, Kathleen Rogers, Donna Case and Joyce Crofton.
Funeral services will be held at ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 777 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 1:00 pm with Reverend Dr. Paul Owens officiating and reception to follow. A visitation will be held at ZOELLER FUNERAL HOME, 615 Landa St. New Braunfels, TX 78130 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 26, 2024 and again on Friday, September 27, 2024 at ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 777 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX from 12:00 Noon until the time of services. Date and location of inurnment will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:
Gary Sinise Foundation https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate
Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/
Homes for Heroes Foundation https://www.homesforheroes.com/foundation/
