Joseph Fulton Obituary

Joseph Robert Fulton, Sr., of Caledonia, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Marion General Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family. Joe was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, to the late Samuel and Margaret (Finnigan) Fulton. He attended school in Norristown and graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1955. Shortly after graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving as a Military Policeman. One of his most notable duties was guarding President Kennedy's motorcade and Air Force One. While stationed in Columbus, Joe met Ed and Doris Randall and quickly became part of their family in Marion. It was there that Joe was introduced to Mary Alice Jackson on a blind date. That meeting turned into a love story, and after a few years of dating, they were married on December 28, 1963. Together, they built a life filled with family, faith, love, and lasting memories. Mary survives. Joe was a loyal employee of Whirlpool Corporation in Marion for 43 years, working in both the Electronic and Plastic departments. In that time, he missed just five days of work-all for the births of his children. His dedication earned him a perfect attendance award along with a washer and dryer. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend-always doing what he could to support the people he loved. Joe had a deep love for baseball, both as a player and a coach. He once took a team to Youth Baseball World Series Ohio Team to Puerto Rico, ensuring that every player had a chance on the field, regardless of ability. He continued to play recreationally well into his late 70s. Joe was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to Penn State-although in later years, to the surprise of many, he developed a soft spot for Michigan. He enjoyed collecting vinyl records, especially from the 50s and 60s, and listening to classic rock. Joe also loved to dance, calling himself 'Elvis Jr.' and once appearing on American Bandstand. Faith played an important role in Joe's life. He and Mary were longtime members of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marion, where he volunteered with the PTA, Festival on the Green, St. Vincent de Paul, and helped count the weekly collection. Joe was known for his quick wit and gentle ornery streak-if he teased you, it meant you had a special place in his heart. He had a way of making people feel seen and valued, even if they got the 'shut your face' comment. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary Alice Fulton; children, Michele (Scott) Morris and their family, Jennifer, Bill (Dena), Christina (Josh), Tegan, Joel, Micah, Ella, Elaya and Beckham; Joseph II (Vicki) Fulton and their family, Johnny (Abby), Ashley (Chris), Joey III (Hailey), Caleb, Carter, Kinslee, Avanti; Mary (Andy) Van Oosten and their daughter Kayla; Timothy (Trina) Fulton and their sons Josh and Kyle; and Todd Fulton and his family, Andy (Michelle), Kailynn, Paisley, Kelly, Michael, Emily, Tucker and Flint. He is also survived by siblings Nancy Linfante, Phyllis (Tony) De Gisi, Helen Fulton, and Sam Fulton, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Natalie Fulton and siblings Peggy Trauger, Mary McMenamin, Jim Fulton, and John 'Jack' Fulton. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 5 until 7 pm at Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder/Hall Chapel (347 West Center Street, Marion). A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, July 18, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church (251 North Main Street, Marion). Father Edward Shikina will preside, and burial will take place at a later date in St Mary's Cemetery, Marion. Memorial contributions may be made in Joe's honor to the family for a charity of their choice. Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder/Hall Chapel, is honored to serve Joe's family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph, please visit our floral store.