Obituary of Hugh A. Poston

Hugh A. Poston, age 88, went to join the heavenly father on Sunday, July 16th 2017 in Lebanon, PA. Born near Canton, NC on May 5th, 1929, Hugh was the son of William B. and Edna Pless Poston. He is survived by his children, Mark H. Poston of Grayson, GA, Martha Jo Messer of Lebanon, PA, Phyllis McCray of Raleigh, NC, 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Birdie Mugge Poston, an infant daughter, Rebecca Lou, an infant son, Scott Hugh, his sisters, Polly Matthews, Ruth Farmer and Nancy Deaver, and brothers Clarence, Aubert and Everette Poston, and a grandson, Michael Morong. Dr. Poston received a B.S. degree in Agricultural Education from Berea College, Berea, KY and both a M.S. degree in Animal Nutrition and a PhD degree in Animal Physiology from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. He also attended The University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY and Iowa State University, Ames, IA. He also served in the U.S. Army stationed in Honolulu, HI. He was employed as a Research Physiologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Tunison Laboratory of Fish Nutrition, Cortland, NY where he conducted fish nutritional research. As a result of his research, the economic return to the fishing industry is reported to be in the millions of dollars. He was also an adjunct professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. Hugh and his wife, Birdie, traveled extensively (If you asked him he traveled to "all 51 states including the state of ignorance!"). He was actively engaged in volunteer activities involving the Lime Hollow Nature Center, scouting and Christ Presbyterian Church. He was beloved by his great grandchildren who were forever entertained by his infectious smile, hearty laugh, and multitude of animal impersonations. He will forever hold a special place in their hearts as their Pop-Pop. Memorial gifts may be given to the Berea College Alumni Fund, Berea, KY 40404. Funeral services will be Sunday 12 noon at the Christ Community Church, Tompkins St., Cortland NY. A graveside service will be Monday 9 am at the Glenwood Cemetery, Homer NY. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com