Bobby C. Poland CMSgt (Retired) USAF

Bobby Charles Poland of Greenwood, Louisiana departed this world on January 20, 2024, at the age of 92. He was born in Oberlin, Louisiana on September 28, 1931, to Samuel Maze Poland and Zelma Grace Rowe Poland. He spent his early years in Jonesboro, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Jonesboro Hodge High School. He loved The Boy Scouts of America, where he obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January 1949. In 1952 while in service, Bobby married his hometown sweetheart, Thelma L. Ketchum. They had 4 boys, Samuel, Ronald, Darrell, and David. At the time of his death, he had 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He served meritoriously for 26+ years before retiring. His assignments were many including overseas during the Korean Conflict, Morocco, Spain, and Vietnam where he was awarded The Bronze Star Medal for his actions. In 1967, while stationed in Saigon, Vietnam, Bobby was ordained a Deacon at Trinity Baptist Church. His last assignment was U.S. Southern Command in The Canal Zone, Republic of Panama. He retired from U.S. Air Force on March 31, 1975, and then he went to work for the Panama Canal Commission the next day. Because of the treaty with Panama his job as Assistant Chief of The Canal Protection Division was eliminated and therefore, he then returned to the United States. He was called back to Panama as Chief of the Military Customs Division where he spent 7 additional years and was awarded The Commanders Award for Civilian Service before his final retirement at the age of 63.

Bobby C. Poland’s graveside service will be held at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, Louisiana on Friday, March 15, 2024, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Bro Buddy Hampton will be officiating with the assistance of Bro. Billy Flowers from First Baptist Church of Greenwood. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Mr. Poland’s family would like to give a special thank you to the Administration, Nurses, and other staff at the NW Louisiana Veterans Home for the great care they extended to him during his stay.