Etzel ‘Poley Bear’ Fannin
1945—2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Etzel Dale “Poley Bear” Fannin, who died peacefully at his home Jan. 10, 2026, at the age of 81.
Poley was a New Year’s Day baby, born Jan. 1, 1945, to the late Dick Fannin and Ida Mae Hensley Fannin.
He was a lifelong resident of Milo and deeply loved the mountains he called home.
Etzel proudly served in the United States military from 1965 to 1967 while stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. Following his service, he spent more than 40 years as a hydraulic drill operator for Bizzack Construction, traveling throughout eastern Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia, blasting mountain passes to help build highways that connected communities.
A devoted and protective family man, Etzel believed strongly in hard work, honesty and integrity. Home was his favorite place, and he never wanted the sun to set unless he was back in the mountains he loved. A man of few words, his generous actions spoke volumes. He had a big heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Etzel was a master woodworker, an expert homebuilder, and a creative mechanic who never met a repair he could not handle. He also shared a deep love for animals – especially dogs – and cared for many throughout his lifetime.
Etzel is survived by his loving wife, Susan Fannin; daughters, Tammy Fannin and Loretta (Sammy) Sumpter of Milo; two granddaughters, Ashley (Kenny) Cullings of Louisville and Sarah (Jeremy) Congleton of Winchester; and grandson, Joseph Riley of Lexington. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Kingston Ezra Cullings, Henry Lane Congleton and Jones Etzel Congleton.
He lovingly helped care for his late aunt, Kathrine Mills, and his late mother-in-law, Evelyn Mills of Milo.
He is survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Janice (Danny) Osborne, Lois (Wayne) Fields, Jimmy (Yvonne) Mills, and Lori Mills (Samantha Carter), all of Paintsville; Florene (Doug) Williamson of Columbus, Ohio; and Juanita (Roger) Harman of Paintsville. He was preceded in death by Donna Mills of Columbus, Ohio.
Etzel is survived by one brother, Jerrel (Bill) Fannin and Edna Sue of Milo. He was preceded in death by brothers Joe (Cat) Fannin of Milo, John Fannin of Marion, Ohio, and James Fannin of Milo; and by his sister, Henrietta (Larry) James of Sweetwater, Tennessee. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Brenda Blackburn of Milo, Brenda Parks of Marion, Ohio, and Carole Fannin of Milo, along with many nieces and nephews.
Etzel was an inspiration and role model to all who knew him. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched and in the lessons he shared through his quiet strength and unwavering kindness.
The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Crum Funeral Home in Inez, with Luther Fletcher officiating.
Etzel will be laid to rest at Mills Cemetery in Debord, where a private burial will take place.