John T. Polston's Obituary
John T. Polston, age 86, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida. A lifelong resident of Lakeland, John was born on February 17, 1939, to Herman Polston and Pearl Gentry Polston. He was the last surviving of their eleven children.
On November 2, 1962, John married the love of his life, Barbara, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years. Together they raised four children—Rick, Becky, Lisa, and Johnny—creating a home filled with faith, love, and laughter.
A member of Fellowship Assembly of God, John lived out his faith daily through kindness, humility, and service. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: fishing on a quiet morning, tending to his garden, and spending time bowling with friends and family. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and steady presence touched all who knew him.
John will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Barbara; his children, Rick Polston and wife Debbie, Becky Polston, Lisa Carden and husband David, and Johnny Polston; his treasured grandchildren Brittany, Allyson, Cassidy, Jarret, Dustin, Emma, and Nolan; and his four great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Pearl Polston; his brothers Charles, Harold, Bud, Henry Dee, and Alan; and his sisters Josephine (Joe), Clarisy, Ann, Pat, and Loretta.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home at Serenity Gardens. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Mt. Tabor Cemetery.
John’s legacy of faith, love, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were blessed to know him.
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