Richard was born on October 10, 1929, in Darke County to the late Clarence S. & Thelma B. (Saylor) Polei. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Jane (Kraus) Polei on September 5, 2014, whom he married June 3, 1949; infant daughter, Melody Polei; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Polei; and brother-in-law, Marvin Smith.
Richard is survived by his children, David Polei of Granby, Colorado, and Melissa & Dave Schlichte of Arcanum; grandchildren, Crystal & Matthew Grote, Erica & Michael Rouse, Ryan & Zoe Polei, and Michael Polei; great grandchildren, Owen Grote, Collin Grote, Carson Rouse, Lewis Polei, Elsie Polei, Dottie Mae Polei, and Maisie Polei; sister, Faith Smith of Union City, Ohio; and sister-in-law, Judy & Dan Blagg of New Bremen.
Richard was a 1947 graduate of Greenville High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Richard was a steamfitter and retired from Defense Electronics Supply Center in Kettering. Richard was a long-time member of the Woodington Congregational Christian Church, and the American Motorcycle Association, and Farm Power of the Past where he formerly served as treasurer. Richard was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, Civil War buff, and NASCAR fan. He enjoyed traveling along with his late wife, Jane, on their Harley Davidson or their travel trailer. He also enjoyed model trains, and anything train related.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 12:00 pm Friday, September 18, 2026, at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville with Pastor Jim Fulton officiating. Burial will follow in Greenville Township Memorial Garden with full military honor conducted by the Greenville Veteran’s Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or EverHeart Hospice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Polei family.
