Chillicothe lost another man that left his mark on the community in so many ways. Chillicothe’s Muralist, 57 year old Kelly Poling, passed away Sunday at home with family. Kelly and his family have been cheerleaders of this community for many years. He was often seen at school activities and community events and was always there with a smile and a good word. With all he had going, he also made time for his family.
Kelly sat down with KCHI in September and talked about his murals. In the story, he was still talking about the future. He was always looking forward and making plans. Of all the murals in Chillicothe, there is only one that includes an image of Kelly, and that is the mural on the south wall of Cultural Corner Art Guild and Gallery. It was also his last mural in Chillicothe.
In this past year, Kelly helped Chillicothe celebrate being the Home of Sliced Bread, driving the old fire truck during the Sliced Bread Day parade. He and Angela worked with Main Street on the presentations here and in Kansas City as Chillicothe was a finalist for Main Street honors. Poling was also named the Grand Marshal for the 2018 Chillicothe Holiday Parade.
Chillicothe is very fortunate to have had Kelly Poling in our midst and we have many reminders of his of his presence as we look at all of the Murals he painted to enhance all of our lives.
Funeral services are Friday at 11:00 am at United Methodist Church in Chillicothe, with burial at Edgewood Cemetery in Chillicothe. Friends may call Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Lindley funeral Home in Chillicothe, with family visitation Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Church. Memorials may be made to the Chillicothe Main Street Organization.
