08/28/2026
Join us tonight as we celebrate the life of Terry Polen.
The family receiving line/visitation is from 4-6pm with the service beginning at 6pm.
Rev. Dr. Terry Lee Polen, 64, of Hurricane, West Virginia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 16, 2026, passing peacefully at 11:00 p.m.
To know Terry was to know kindness, generosity, and an unwavering love for Jesus. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, an incredibly proud Grandpa or “Bop,” as his grandson Judah called him, a faithful servant of the Lord, and quite simply, one of the most genuine and giving people you could ever meet.
Terry’s faith was not something he simply spoke about, it was the way he lived his life. He loved Jesus with his whole heart and wanted everyone he encountered to know that same love. He carried crosses with him and gave them freely to friends, family, nurses, doctors, strangers, and anyone else whose path crossed his. Even throughout cancer treatments and some of the most difficult days of his life, when someone asked Terry how he was doing, his answer remained the same: “I’m blessed!” And he meant it.
His faith never wavered. Through every trial, Terry continued to praise God, encourage others, and look for opportunities to be a light. He had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, cared for, and loved. He gave generously, served joyfully, prayed faithfully, and lived with a heart that was always looking for ways to help someone else.
Terry was born on September 21, 1961, in Moundsville, West Virginia, to the late Carrell and Iris Polen. A lifelong learner with a brilliant and curious mind, Terry accomplished more academically and professionally than could ever be adequately captured on a page. He earned a degree in mechanical and biomedical engineering from West Virginia University, an MBA from Marshall University, and a Ph.D. in environmental science from the University of Maryland. He held his Professional Engineer (PE) and Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) credentials, along with numerous other professional certifications.
Yet for all of his accomplishments and titles, Terry would never have considered those the greatest parts of his life. His greatest treasures were his faith and his family.
He loved his wife and best friend, Lisa, deeply and faithfully. He adored his daughter, Rachel, and took immense joy and pride in being her dad. And few titles brought him more happiness than being Bop to his beloved “super grandson,” Judah. His family was one of his greatest blessings, and he made sure they always knew just how deeply they were loved.
Terry is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Lisa (Hughes) Polen; his daughter, Rachel (John) Horn of Scott Depot; his beloved “super grandson,” Judah; his brother, Dan (Margie) Polen of Trinity, Florida; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, family members, and friends whose lives are better because Terry was part of them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carrell and Iris Polen; his grandparents; and three cherished children in Heaven.
There is no way to fully measure the impact of a life like Terry’s. It lives on in his family, in the people he prayed for, in the countless crosses he placed into someone’s hand, in every person he encouraged, and in every life that saw a glimpse of Jesus through him.
Terry spent his life telling others about the Savior he loved so dearly. His family finds comfort in knowing that the faith he lived every single day has now become sight, and that he is finally home with the Lord he so faithfully served.
He was deeply loved, he will be immeasurably missed, and his family will forever be grateful for the blessing of calling him theirs.
“I’m blessed.”
And everyone who knew Terry was blessed because of him.
Please join us for a celebration of his wonderful life. It will be held Friday, August 28th. Receiving the family is from 4 pm-6 pm with the service starting at 6 pm at Bridge Church, 6496 Teays Valley Rd., Scott Depot WV 25560.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Terry Polen Memorial Fund. All funds will be dispersed to a few of Terry's favorite charities. Donations can be made at www.bridgechurch.app/give (Select the "Terry Polen Memorial Fund")
