Russell O. Fulghum

Russell Owen Fulghum, 88, 400 Hwy. 18 W., Clear Lake, died Friday, June 21, 2013 at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.  

A Celebration of Life service was held on Monday, June 24, 2013 at the Christian Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Scott Wilson officiating.  Committal services followed in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City, where military honors were conducted by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  

Russell Owen Fulghum was born March 30, 1925 in Mason City, the son of Willard and Genevieve (Phips) Fulghum.  He was baptized in the Church of Christ in Mason City.  He attended country school and Clear Lake schools.  

On Feb. 16, 1945 in Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., Russell was inducted into the United States Army where he faithfully served his country during WWII.   He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.  Following his honorable discharge in 1946 he returned home to farming.

Russell married Lois Muriel (Hubbard) Walls in 1978.  They belonged to the Clear Lake Christian Church.  Russell’s family came first and foremost in his life. He often-times would reflect on how blessed he was to have Lois as his wife. 

He loved preparing the pony cart for his nieces and nephews and other youngsters to ride when they would visit the farm.  Russell loved farming and tending to his livestock.   His beloved terrier, Whiskers, horse, Bonnie, and mule, Homer, were among his favorite animals.  

Russell will be remembered as a man of few words who had a heart of gold.

     Those grateful in sharing in his life are his wife, Lois Fulghum, Clear Lake; son, Ron (Cynthia) Walls, Clear Lake; daughter-in-law, Mary White; grandchildren, Spencer, Jamie and Krystal Walls, Sarah (Russ) Rollefson, Curtiss (Michelle) Werner, and Kim Haag; 10 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; brother, Willard Fulghum, Mason City; sister, Mary Pearson, Mason City; and several nieces and nephews.

     Russell was preceded in death by his parents; son, Curtis Walls; and baby brother, Francis Fulghum.  

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.