Laurence Paul “Barney” Fullerton left us Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the age of 100. He celebrated his milestone birthday on Lopez with family and friends coming from across the state to help him celebrate at Woodmen Hall.
Barney was born on April 1, 1914 in Waitsburg, WA, the son of Orville & Zelma Fullerton. He attended school in Waitsburg, receiving awards for his spelling and math skills. He played basketball on the high school team and graduated with the class of 1931. He loved horses and rode to school, often returning home after dark following basketball practice.
In 1942 Barney enlisted into the U.S. Army Air Force, where he served his country as a radio telegraph operator while stationed in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. After his discharge in 1945 he returned to Waitsburg to again assist on the family farm and meet his future wife, Isabelle. They were married in Yakima September 4, 1948, honeymooned in Seattle and then returned to Huntsville to make their home.
In addition to his work at the family orchards and mills, he worked full time for Columbia County Grain Growers where he served as manager until his retirement at age 68. He continued farming until his late 90’s.
Barney was well-known for his musical abilities, singing at many weddings, funerals and special occasions over the years. He was a handsome, witty man with a yen for crossword puzzles, Gonzaga basketball and a good joke.
In the year following their 65th wedding anniversary his wife Isabelle passed, just as they were selling their farm and home to join their daughter and son-in-law, Jeff and Lorena Daggett on Lopez.
In addition to his daughter and son-in-law, Barney is survived by his step-daughter, Shirley Shears of West Virginia; 6 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, two grandsons, John and Danny, a brother, Wayne Fullerton and 2 sisters, Pauline Kendall and Martha Krause.
Upon his request, no funeral services will be held. Graveside services will be held at a later date.
My sincere condolences to Lorena and all the family.
I’ve known Barney since I was 8yrs old. Will always remember him singing “Bluebird on my shoulder” while he was spraying apples.
To the Family of Barney Fullerton,
We are very sorry to hear of Barney’s passing and send you our most sincere sympathy in your loss.
In working at the Waitsburg Post Office for many years, it was always a pleasure to see Barney & Isabelle come for their mail. Quite often Barney would come to the counter and visit a bit – I really enjoyed that.
Barney was a long time American Legion member of Post 35 here in Waitsburg and we appreciated his membership.
I just had my 93rd birthday, so I had the pleasure of seeing your folks often, a great pair.
We understand a service will be held later. If you are planning to do this at Waitsburg, please let us know how we could help. If that is the plan, his name will be on our Veteran’s Memorial Wall and we need to turn the names into Wylie’s by April 1 in order for them to engrave his name on the Wall, before Memorial Day Program. Thank you.
Again, our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Ivan and B. A. Keve