All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Cory Seth Poling

Cory Seth Poling, of Morgantown, WV, loving husband, father, and fierce Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) warrior, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2023, surrounded by family at the age of 36 in Morgantown, WV.

Seth is survived by his adoring wife, Erika Michelle Poling of Morgantown, WV, and their two incredible children, Liam Seth Poling and Bayler Michael Poling. He is survived by his parents, R. Holt Poling and Mary Alice Poling of Buckhannon, WV, and sister, Brittany D. Alden and brother-in-law, Matt Alden of Salem, WV, and Calvin Alden, nephew, and Etta Alden, niece. He is survived by Timothy E. and Loria Helmick, father-in-law and mother-in-law, of Morgantown, WV; and Allison and Suveer Shekhawat, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, of Charleston, WV, and Harvey and Shirley Helmick, grandparents-in-law, of Paden City, WV.

Despite the challenges he faced from (ALS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig disease, since his diagnosis in June of 2017, Seth maintained his contagious optimism and zest for life, along with a signature sense of humor that never wavered. He always prioritized spending time with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors, hunting, writing, cheering on the West Virginia Mountaineers, going to dinner, traveling with his wife, and playing with his boys.

Seth shared his experiences and thoughts about living with (ALS) for almost a decade on his blog. His posts inspired others to live their lives with purpose and hope. He was a fierce advocate for (ALS). He was also the founder of the S.E.T.H Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and education while fundraising for developing life-saving research for (ALS).

Seth’s family and friends will remember him for his kindness, strength, love, and perseverance. He touched the lives of every person he met, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those privileged enough to know him during any part of his journey.

Seth requested a Celebration of Life in lieu of a traditional funeral; the family will announce the date in the coming weeks.

If you wish to send condolences, please send them to 3027 Meadowland Dr Morgantown, WV, 26508. To honor Seth’s memory memorial gifts can be made towards Liam and Bayler’s College/Future Funds by mailing to the address above. #EndALS.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

On the City Calendar: Week of July 28, 2025

No city meetings are scheduled this week in Buckhannon, but residents can enjoy Festival Fridays, prepare for National Night Out on August 5, and stay informed about upcoming yard waste collection, bid openings, and city reminders.

Westfall named new golf coach at Wesleyan; will remain head coach of B-U boys’ basketball program

Jason Westfall, longtime Buckhannon-Upshur boys’ basketball coach and former B-U golf coach, has been named the new golf coach at West Virginia Wesleyan, where he plans to build on the program’s strong tradition.

Police say Buckhannon man used father’s account to cash app money to acquaintance

Jonathan Reed, 21, was arrested for allegedly using his father’s bank account without permission to send $100 via cash app to an acquaintance, resulting in a $10,000 bail and possible felony charges.

What is emergency management? A behind-the-scenes look at keeping Upshur County safe

Emergency management in Upshur County involves extensive planning, coordination, and community partnerships to prepare for and respond to a wide range of disasters, with efforts highlighted during National Emergency Management Awareness Month.

B-U baseball program to hold golf scramble Sept. 7

The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneer baseball program will host a fundraising golf scramble at Barbour County Country Club on September 7, featuring team prizes, sponsor opportunities, and a 14-team limit.

Wheeling Post 1 claims state American Legion baseball title

Wheeling Post 1 captured the 2025 West Virginia American Legion baseball title with a 6-0 shutout over Beckley and will advance to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament in Maryland.

Wesleyan President Dr. James Moore joins Secretary Kris Warner to discuss job skills needed for today’s workforce

WV Wesleyan College President Dr. James Moore discussed with Secretary of State Kris Warner how the college prepares students with critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving skills essential for success in today’s evolving workforce.

Buckhannon man charged with extortion after alleged threats to post private photos online

Cody Lane, 33, of Buckhannon, was arrested and charged with extortion after allegedly threatening to post images of a woman online.

City of Buckhannon announces July 30 water service interruption

The Buckhannon Water Department will interrupt water service on July 30 in several areas for repairs, with a backup date of August 6 if weather delays the work, and aims to restore service quickly.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital announces Hart as DAISY Award honoree

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital honored Danielle Hart, RN, as the 2025 DAISY Award recipient during a ceremony that also celebrated several other outstanding nurse nominees for their dedication and compassionate care.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: July 31, 2025

The Upshur County Commission has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting scheduled for July 31, 2025.

Upshur County Commission hiring seasonal part-time maintenance / groundskeeper position

The Upshur County Commission is now accepting applications for a seasonal, part-time maintenance and groundskeeping position.