William James Fullerton

William James Fullerton was born September 28, 1979, in Belleville, Kansas. He was the younger of two children born to David L. Fullerton and Mary S. (Jensen) Fullerton and he died April 3, 2007, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 27 years, 6 months, and 6 days.

William completed all of his schooling in Mankato. After graduating from high school in Mankato, he joined the Army National Guard. After completion of his Basic Training and AIT school, William returned to his home in Mankato. William was called to active duty in May 2005, with the National Guards, and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He received an injury working on a vehicle that lead to the discovery of his illness.

William had many talents never to be realized and known only to those closest to him.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bill and Ruby Fullerton of Montrose and his maternal grandparents, James “Melvin” and Daisy Jensen of Mankato.

Those left to mourn his passing are his father, David Fullerton of Mankato, Kansas; his mother, Mary and husband Lee Robbins of Mankato, Kansas; his sister, Crystal Fullerton of Salina, Kansas; two step-brothers, Steve Robbins and family of Mankato, Kansas, and Kevin Robbins and sons of Ridgefield, New Jersey; a step-sister, Christina Robbins and children of Salina, Kansas; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services for William James Fullerton were held Saturday, April 7, 2007, at 2:00 p.m., at the National Guard Armory, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Thaddues Hinkle officiating. The family selected prerecorded music “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton, “Superman” by Five For Fighting, and “Time After Time” by Eva Cassidy. Casket bearers were fellow guard members: SPC Steve Burk, SGT Roger Meier, SFC Dennis Flavin, SPC Jeff E. Smith, SPC Brian Emmot, SGT Wayne Ryba, and CPT Lonnie Brumgardt. Honorary casket bearers were: SGT Perry Johnson, Ret. Lester Pletcher, Ret. Norman Pletcher, and Ret. Lyndall Hanson. Graveside services were held at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas, with the United States Honor Guard, Fort Riley, Kansas, and V.F.W. Post No. 7830, Mankato, Kansas. Interment followed in the cemetery. Those who would like to honor William with a memorial may do so with a donation or care package to any member of the VFW or a currently active military person (or family) serving our country anywhere in the world.

Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.