Arcadia - Funeral services will be held for Robert "Yale" Poland, Sr., age 83, at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia. Son-in-law Brian Opbroek will officiate. Interment will follow at Little Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Yale was born on his family's current homestead December 7, 1932 to Henry and Janie Kirkham Poland. He passed from his earthly home Sunday, November 20, 2016 after a brief illness. He was the owner of Poland's General Store for many years, as well as Bienville Parish Ward 4 Constable for the last 15 years. He was proud to have served his country as a Navy Corpsman-Marine (1951-1955) during the Korean War. He was also proud to be a Legionnaire. He was a beloved husband, father, granddad, great granddad, baseball coach, friend and helper to so many. In his earlier years, he played music and sang vocals for Yale Poland and the Dixie Playboys, frequenting local jamborees and the Louisiana Hayride. Yale was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bienville.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother and 2 sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Evelyn Poland; sons Robert Poland and wife Terri, Rodney Poland, and Randy Poland and wife Patty; daughters Deborah Locke and husband Michael and KaLyndia Opbroek and husband Brian; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Trey Poland, Mikey Locke, Joey Locke, Josh Locke, Beaux Waddell, and Jacob Holle, and nephew Rusty Poland.
The family would like to thank Dr. Green and Regional Hospice, especially Carolyn, Celeste and B.J. for their care and comfort during this time.