Royal John Fulton

Royal John Fulton died on April 16, 2020 at the age of 90 at Avalon West Care Facility in Taylorsville, Utah. He was born in Globe, Arizona on June 2, 1929 to John Wilson and Sarah Leone Kartchner (Fulton), though they moved to Snowflake, Arizona about a year after his birth. He was the oldest of five sons and almost always took the role of caretaker and example to the little brothers. His was not an easy childhood, though he never wanted for basic provisions. As a boy and young man, he cherished more than any others the relationships he had with his brothers. He also loved his Grandfather Kartchner who baptized and confirmed him a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but little gospel instruction from that time was given in the home. The boys always had lots of hard chores to do, but they found time to romp around the woods and enjoy the outdoors every moment they could.
Dad has written in his life history about the trauma and loneliness of his high school years. He was hated, ostracized, and discriminated against for no apparent reason. This was doubly difficult for him because he received this mistreatment at school with little to no support in his own home. In this critical time, he turned to friends that were not the best influence on him, especially for his spiritual progress. Dad was always intelligent and eager to learn while most of his friends hated school and had problems with the Word of Wisdom.
At a critical juncture in his life, Dad, his brother Robert, and their friend had decided to run away and join the service. Providentially, his mother met them as they were leaving and said, “Royal, the principal has told me these boys have already been expelled from school because of their grades and behavior, but he’s willing to welcome you back if you report to him before the first class.” That saved Dad’s life, mostly in spiritual ways because he was sure that had he gone into the service, he would have deviated from the life he was foreordained to live.
The suffering of his youth made him cry out, “Why was I born? Why was I sent here to suffer such hardships?” And, on that day, he heard the voice of the Lord speak to him for the first of many more times assuring him that he must learn patience, develop greater faith, and be of good cheer. But, unfortunately, this didn’t keep him from slipping into the habit of drinking and associating with the wrong crowd. Over the years, Dad became certain that he was an alcoholic because of the strong impulse to drink at that time of his life. He felt he was in an abyss, that he was hopelessly unworthy, and that he was an utter failure.
But, the Lord had not given up on him at all. A rancher by the name of Lowell Barr Turley had just been called as bishop and one day, while Dad was working in an apple orchard, Bishop Turley saw him there and stopped his truck to approach. He put his strong arm around Dad’s shoulder, looked him in the eyes with great love, and said, “The Lord has a mission for you to fill. I know you’re not living the gospel right now, but you can change that. Are you willing to make yourself ready for a call?”
Dad knew the truth of those words at that moment and that the Lord had inspired Bishop Turley to go to talk to him that day – that life-changing, marvelous day! He accepted the challenge and was called to serve in the East Central States Mission from 1949 -1951. He had many life-altering experiences there, became a serious and accomplished student of the gospel, and saw and performed wondrous miracles. This became the greatest experience he’d ever had and, for the first time, he felt he had enormous worth to our Father in Heaven and to others. He developed a great talent of singing in his rich baritone and was a frequent performer throughout his mission and beyond. He also met the love of his life, Beverly Love, who was also serving in the same mission where they served together in the mission home and, though not immediately attracted to one another, learned to admire and appreciate each other’s many qualities. Before Beverly came home from her mission, Royal was directed by the Lord to ask her to be his wife and eternal companion. She accepted his proposal and they were married on November 3, 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple just days after Royal was released from his mission – even before returning home to Snowflake!
Their union has resulted in five children: Lorraine, Wesley, Douglas, Mark, and Andrea whom they adored and raised in righteousness. Their children always knew of the great love their parents had for them and saw by action and word how much they hoped for an eternal family together. Those five children have been blessed with Dad and Mom’s 13 grandchildren and 19 (and counting) great-grandchildren. We are so blessed to have a loving family strong in the same gospel principles we were taught by our loving parents. Family was a hallmark of Dad’s life. He worked hard to provide not only necessities for his family but many, many delightful surprises: elaborate Christmases, memorable vacations, impromptu “going for a ride” ending with ice cream cones at Snelgrove’s, fishing trips and adventures in the canoe, support in every way for all five children to serve full-time missions, and endless fodder for jokes and laughter we will never forget.
We also knew that Dad’s ultimate devotion was to the Lord and His work. In this, he never wavered. Dad served nearly from the return from his mission in bishoprics – seven in all! – and was also called to serve as a bishop himself. He served on the High Council, as a stake missionary, on the Kearns Town Council and many other callings which took time away from an already packed schedule. But, not one of his children report ever having heard him complain about yet another meeting or not being able to do more than wolf down dinner and head out the door again. Whatever the Lord asked, he gave. He went about quietly, steadily, and often in the background, building the kingdom in many capacities. It’s true he was called to serve in many leadership positions, but he really loved teaching the 8-year olds in Primary after their senior mission. At the end of his life, he told Lorraine he would give anything to help the Lord in His work – even his bones!
His chosen profession was engineering industrial heating and air conditioning systems. He was a member of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.) – an accomplishment which he was extremely proud of. He likened his membership in this society to getting a Master’s Degree because it was bestowed on some of the best in his field. He worked long hours to ensure his customers would have the best system possible for their requirements. He was often told by clients that his design had resolved problems in their companies that no one else had been able to figure out. He was gifted in discovering solutions to these sorts of complex problems and thrilled at being able to help. His integrity guided his life, actions, and relationships. He was uncompromising when it came to the quality of his work which resulted in utterly satisfied, happy customers who wouldn’t consult anyone but Dad when they had problems.
In 1995, Beverly and Royal departed for a senior mission called to serve where they had served as young missionaries in Knoxville, TN. As they headed east, they suffered a rollover accident in which they were both injured. But, that would not deter them from fulfilling their responsibilities. They took one month to give Mom time to recover and once again headed out to finish their mission. They loved the people there and saw much success and happiness while serving. Upon their return, they served in the Jordan River Temple for eight and a half years. He was the coordinator of one of the shifts they worked. He loved the Savior deeply and was enormously grateful for His atonement and example. He often expressed testimony of the mission of the prophet Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, the magnitude of the priesthood and the brotherhood in it, and the need for continuing revelation. There were many times we felt Dad almost knew those greats in the priesthood who had preceded him because he understood the majesty of the priesthood so well.
Dad was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease in his 50’s and spinal stenosis and Parkinson’s Disease in his late 70’s. These health concerns plagued him until the very end, especially Parkinson’s. Because of his tremors and loss of balance, Dad took several nasty falls over the years. Dad and Mom spent the last years of their lives in assisted living and it was a blessing to them. Because of their care, it was discovered Dad had Legionnaires’ disease and spent several weeks recuperating from that. Little by little, he lost many of his abilities and senses. His eyesight started failing him, his hearing deteriorated, and he even lost his sense of smell and taste, so many of his little pleasures were stunted. This left him unable to enjoy television, read anything (and the loss of the scriptures was especially keen), sing as he used to, or delight in his meals. His life became narrower and narrower in terms of what the world sees as enjoyment but this further refined and purified him because he focused on those things which matter most. We would often find him in his room just contemplating and pondering all alone, dear man. In 2019, he fell forward out of his chair breaking his collarbone and having to recuperate from that during and after the death of his beloved Beverly. We were really worried about him during this time of anguish and grief, but he rallied and grew strong again.
In early 2020, he started showing signs of advanced Parkinson’s because of persistent and vivid delusions and hallucinations – some that nearly incapacitated his ability to move around his apartment. In the beginning, he knew they weren’t real and was amused by them, but as time went on, they became more frightening to him. He would see great chasms in front of him or piles of rocks he was afraid he might fall onto. He saw little people who would come into his apartment with their dogs, always seeming to have somewhat sinister purposes. On March 30, 2020 Dad suffered a terrible fall apparently attempting to move to the bathroom. When he arrived at the hospital, they discovered that he had fractured his neck. The complications of that fall resulted in his lack of ability to swallow and ultimately led to his death. Even as he lingered for many days without food or water, his body was strong prompting Andrea to say that “his spirit is willing, but his body’s too strong” to let go. His last conversations with his children assured us that he wasn’t in pain but that he wanted more than anything to “go home” to be “embraced by my beloved Beverly – the love of my life.” His fondest wish was granted on April 16, 2020 in the early morning hours of quiet and peace.
His children have remarked throughout this time that none of us has ever personally known a more stalwart, steady, devoted, self-sacrificing man. He personified for us what being a real man is all about. In his youth he was a good boxer but he always chose to fight for right above all else. He was physically strong and able to do really hard work – the kind of hard work one rarely sees done manually now. But, his greatest strengths were those of a spiritual nature he developed over a lifetime of study, pondering, and service. We all remember how faithfully he read the newspaper, but that pales when compared to the time he spent reading and pondering the scriptures which he loved so dearly. His patience and refinement of character continued until, near his death, the effect was astonishing. Once, when being interviewed by his social worker he was asked the question, “What goals do you have for this next year?” He responded, “I want to be more patient and willing to accept the will of the Lord.” What an example to follow!
Royal is survived by his brother Leo and sister-in-law Odette Fulton, daughter Lorraine Linares, sons Wesley (Robynn), Douglas (Linda), and Mark (Ellen) Fulton and daughter Andrea (Roger) Bennett, thirteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren (with another on the way). He was preceded in death by his beloved eternal companion, Beverly, his parents and brothers Robert, O.K., and Lafe Fulton.
The family sends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Legacy House of Taylorsville for the kind, selfless service they’ve rendered to Royal for the past five and a half years. Special thanks to Jennifer and Enori whom he regarded as earthly angels for all their help to him. Thanks to Tim at Avalon West for the blessing he gave Dad. We’re appreciative of the choice time allowed by Avalon West for Wes and Mark, despite issues with Covid-19, to enter their facility and give Dad a final blessing. We also humbly thank those who ministered to him from the Westbrook Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Our hearts will feel mighty empty now that our rock has gone on. No words could express the honor we feel for having been blessed with such a father. Our hope is to honor his legacy – largely forged and polished by himself – for the rest of our lives. We look forward to having all eternity to reminisce and relive our memories with Dad and unitedly look forward to seeing him again in all his glory. Private graveside service April 25, 2020 at Redwood Memorial.