Lester Eugene "Gene" Fullerton's Obituary
Lester Eugene "Gene" Fullerton, age 85, of Coulterville, IL, passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 7:43 a.m. in Friendship Manor, Nashville, IL, surrounded by his family.
Gene was born on December 29, 1935 in Sparta, IL, a son to Lester David and Flossie Mae (Stewart) Fullerton. On August 24, 1957, he married Elizabeth Pauline Howie at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sparta, IL and she survives. Gene and Pauline would have celebrated 64 years of marriage this August.
Gene was a member of the Grandcote Reformed Presbyterian Church of Coulterville, IL, where he served as elder. He and Pauline taught their children how to love the Lord and hold tight to their faith.
Gene was a retired rural letter carrier. He served in the Coulterville area for 45 plus years. His father carried the route before him and his son took over his route when he retired. Gene was a member of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association and attended conventions all over the US. He also served as Illinois RLCA Treasurer and Chaplain.
Gene was a lifelong farmer. He started farming with his father at a young age. Gene instilled a deep appreciation for farming in his entire family. To his great delight, his son and then his grandson joined him on the family farm.
Gene enjoyed playing solitaire, good food, a good nap, and spending time with family and people. He never met a stranger. He enjoyed finding out about people's lives and sharing stories of his family. Gene loved the Lord, the church, and his family. He will be greatly missed by them.
Survivors include his wife, Pauline Fullerton of Coulterville, IL; three children, Janice (Greg) Hard of Sykesville, MD, Michael (Anne) Fullerton of Coulterville, IL, and Denise (Zach) Taft of Oakdale, IL; nine grandchildren, Ian (Rebecca) Hard, Shannon Hard, Ethan (Amber) Hard, Betsy (Michael) Butler, Katie (Michael) Timmermann, Christopher (Hannah) Fullerton, Lillian Taft, Reagan Taft and Addison Taft; eight great-grandchildren, Ashley, Gideon and John Hard, Mabry and Rhett Butler, Zoey and Brody Timmermann, and baby Fullerton; and two nephews, David (Cyndy) Hall of Tomah, WI and Richard (Debbi) Hall of Holts Summit, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and brother-in-law, Marie and George Hall; one niece, Kathy Tate; and his in-laws, Paul and Ruth Howie.
Funeral services will be held at Grandcote Reformed Presbyterian Church, Coulterville, IL on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Jim Stark and Reverend Ian Hard officiating. Interment will be in Coulterville Cemetery, Coulterville, IL.
Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, IL on Friday, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday morning at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Grandcote Reformed Presbyterian Church, Coulterville, IL.
What’s your fondest memory of Lester Eugene "Gene"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lester Eugene "Gene"?
Share a story where Lester Eugene "Gene"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lester Eugene "Gene" you’ll never forget.
How did Lester Eugene "Gene" make you smile?