Michael John Fulton

July 4, 1951 - August 8, 2009

Michael John Fulton, 58, of Spencer, Ohio passed way August 8, 2009, at his residence surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer that began in 1990. Shortly before his cancer returned in 2007, he realized a lifelong dream he moved into a log house in the country. He was born July 4, 1951, in Wadsworth, Ohio to Carlene Fulton and the late Robert N. Fulton. A 1969 graduate of Highland High School, he received a teaching degree in art from Kent State University. On July 21, 1979, he was united in marriage to Vickie D. Pierce in Valley City, Ohio. Mike was an employee of the Buckeye Local School District in Medina, Ohio, where he had been teaching art for thirty-four years. He was a dedicated union member and had served as president of the Buckeye Local Education Association, an affiliate of the AFT/OFT teachers’ unions, for the past eleven years. For over twenty years, he coached girls’ basketball teams at Buckeye Jr. High and High School. He was well-respected by his colleagues and well-liked by his students…who will gladly explain “Fulton Time!” to all who ask! Michael was a founding member of Fairlawn Lutheran Church, serving as deacon and usher for a number of years. After moving to York Township in 1979, he began attending Zion Lutheran Church in Valley City, where he taught Sunday School for several years. He was currently attending Living Word Lutheran Church in Medina. Whether chopping wood, growing a garden, manicuring the lawn, or simply taking a Sunday stroll in one of the Medina County Parks, Mike was happiest being outdoors. He was a fan of all things western, as evidenced by his ever-present cowboy boots! He looked forward to the County Fair, winning numerous ribbons for his artwork over the years. He enjoyed playing card games (Only if he won!), taking meandering drives in Amish country, watching ESPN, and listening to country music. A dyed-in-the wool Notre Dame fan, he anticipated each football season with renewed fervor..Go Irish! A staunch Democrat, he was greatly pleased by the 2008 elections. Mike was a gentle man of quiet strength, honest, dependable, hardworking, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was an exemplary husband, devoted father, and playful “Pappy”. His passing leaves a hole inside us that is both empty and full at once Michael is survived by is wife, Vickie, his daughter and her husband, Rachel and Scott Clapp of Wadsworth, his son Joshua of Spencer; adored grandson, Jackson Clapp; mother Carlene Fulton; sister Melinda (Michael) Winter; aunts Viola Sholley and Janet Fulton, all of Wadsworth; special sister-in-laws, Jessie Aldridge, Jody Frambach, and Clara Roach; several nieces and nephews-in-law; many cousins, and treasured friends. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his parent-in-law, Robert and Ruby Pierce; brother-in-laws, Robert Pierce, Jack Roach and Ralph Aldridge. Funeral Service: Weds. 10:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church 2233 Abbeyville Road Valley City, OH Revs. Nathan Frambach, Michael Koch and Jeff Steele-Steeber officiating. Burial: Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Valley City, Ohio Visitation: Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Buckeye Sr. High School 3084 Columbia Road Medina, OH In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Family House, 5301 5th Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232 or to the Development Department UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1 B, and 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232

The family would like to thank the Buckeye community, staff and students for the kindness and concern shown to Mike, especially the past two years. We are exceptionally grateful for the love and invaluable help given us by Jessie Aldridge. Special thanks to Rose Austin, Judy Rundle and Jenny Smetana for the spiritual support they provided for the past two years, and to all the wonderful folks who sustained us with their visits and prayers. Sincere appreciation to Pastors Michael Koch, Jeff Steele-Steeber, and Tom Zucconi for ministering to us in our home the past few months. Our gratitude to Hospice of Medina County for their compassionate care. Thank you to our friends at Bauer Funeral Home for guiding us through this difficult time with compassion and affection.

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