Age 85, died Tuesday, July 5, 2011 in Adrian, Michigan. He was born March 31, 1926 in Monroe, Michigan, the son of Ralph & Marg (Biggins) Poley.
Howard was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Manchester and a former member of Dexter Gospel Church. He was a WWII Army Veteran, and a member of the American Legion Post 117. He had been active with Manchester Senior Citizens and Chelsea Senior Citizens. Howard was a long haul semi truck driver for 35 years, retiring from Associated Truck Lines in 1987. He married Viola Curtiss on December 3, 1944 in Tecumseh, MI, and she survives. Other survivors include four sons, Howard R. Poley Jr of Chelsea, Jerry W. Poley of Grass Lake, Robert G. Poley of Manchester, Tom M. Poley of Mancelona; a brother, Wayne of Dundee; two sisters, Dorothy Fital , Janice Poley; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Harvey and Charles, and sisters, Bertnedia Smith and Evelyn Schultze. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 9, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Pastor Fred Slagle officiating. Burial followed at Ridgeway Cemetery. The family received friends Friday 2-9 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring of Adrian.