John W. Fulton, age 75, lifetime resident of Willard, Ohio passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Stein Hospice of Sandusky, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 16, 1950 in Willard to the late Joseph J. and Jean (Hansman) Fulton.
A 1968 graduate of Willard High School, John went to work for Pioneer Balloon Company. He was there for two years before he was drafted into the United States Army. He served two years stateside before returning home to Willard, going back to work for Pioneer Balloon and working until his retirement in 1996. He was also employed with the Willard Times as an Advertising Rep and Sports Writer for wrestling from 1981 until 1984.
John had a love for training horses, Standardbred horses specifically, a hobby he enjoyed for many years. When he wasn’t in the barn, John could be found in his garden or out in the fields trying to add to his Indian Artifact collection. He was known for his signature calligraphy, ability to draw and carving canes. John was an avid Ohio State fan along with cheering on all of the Cleveland sports teams.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Claudette (Gullett) Fulton; three children, Arlette (Bryant) Davis, Sarah (Aaron) Johnson and John “JD” Fulton; seven grandchildren, Charlie, Autumn, Andrew, Abby, Grace, Emma, Sam along with his favorite Thai girl, Wan; three great grandchildren, Walter, Calliope and Oliver; three siblings, Susan McKown, Becky (Tom) Gremmer and Bill (Mary) Fulton; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Fulton, D’Aunn (Ronnie) Sallee, Mickey Gullett and Karen Ludban; special aunt, Maxine Robinson along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph R. Fulton II; brother-in-law, Gregory McKown; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Doris and Edsel Gullett; and sisters-in-law, Charlene Egner and Winnie Gullett.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Secor Funeral Home in Willard on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. John’s funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dan Caudill officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences can be left for his family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Rick Rogers - Nov 11, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I knew John from Pioneer Balloon. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed. Prayers for all the Family.
D'Aunn - Nov 7, 2025
"What we once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we loved deeply becomes part of us." -Helen Keller ....John, you will be missed.... You will be missed by all that knew you.
Marsha Ganni - Nov 6, 2025
JD, Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Marsha Ganni, Ashley and Ethan - Nov 6, 2025
Arlette, Bryant and family, Sorry to hear of John’s passing. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Marsha Ganni - Nov 6, 2025
Claudette, Sorry to hear of John’s passing. I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sados Staff - Nov 5, 2025
Our condolences to John’s Family and Friends. We were heartbroken to hear of his passing. We have enjoyed many conversations with John about meteorites, arrowheads, and fun little jokes. In honor of John, we are all going to partake in a ‘Payday’ Candy bar on his behalf! One for the road John! Thanks for blessing us with all your insights!
Gaye Steinke - Nov 5, 2025
Deepest sympathy to John's entire family.
Sandi and Mick O’Brien - Nov 5, 2025
Claudette and Family So sorry to hear about John. You have my prayers
Bob Ayres - Nov 4, 2025
Wow! It is certainly sad news to hear of John’s passing. I had no idea he was struggling with any health issues, so this came as a rather unpleasant surprise. John was a man of many talents and I certainly enjoyed the years we spent playing softball together. Kind thoughts and prayers are going out for John and his extended family. May God provide strength and comfort for the difficult days ahead, and fond memories for the years to come.
Dan Bevier - Nov 4, 2025
Wow, so sorry to read this news. My parents and John's parents were friends growing up. I remember going to John's house for Cub Scout meetings as Jeannie was the Cub Scout Pack Leader. John was a very good pole vaulter in high school. When I was responsible for purchasing advertising artwork for the balloons at Pioneer Balloon Company, I split the artwork between John and Charles Casto. They were both extremely talented. What a great guy!!! As young people, John liked to have a good time, but he was much more grounded than most of our friends. I admired that trait in John. Rest in peace, old friend!!!
Dan Fox - Nov 4, 2025
So sorry to hear of John's passing.He was just a nice and wonderful man.I played softball with 1 year with Environtite in the 70's.Then when I retired in 2018 I walked the Willard Res.and met John again and we became friends even though at first we did not recognize each other.He wore a shirt one day with Fulton on front and then that was when we remembered.Condolences to his wife who I also met walking at Res.and Condolences to all his family & friends.
Barb McDonald - Nov 4, 2025
So sorry to hear about your loss, prayers
Linda Veletean - Nov 4, 2025
Claudette and family I am so sorry to hear CJ of John’s passing. Please you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Keep your memories always close to your heart. John will truly be missed. 🙏🙏 praying for you all
Bill & Nancy Jester - Nov 4, 2025
Claudette, Arlette, Becky, Karen and Mickey so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Sending prayers for comfort and strength.
Donna Myers - Nov 4, 2025
Sending my sympathy to the family of John. May John rest in the arms of his Savior and enjoy the eternal benefits of serving his Lord.
Kay Carr - Nov 4, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear this. Prayers for the family. He will be missed
Robert & Bridget Tipton - Nov 4, 2025
Praying for God’s peace, strength, understanding during this difficult time as I always had such great memories as it was a blessing knowing John and his wonderful family
Robert & Bridget Tipton - Nov 4, 2025
Praying for God’s peace, strength, understanding during this difficult time as I always had such great memories as it was a blessing knowing John and his wonderful family
Amanda Bowser - Nov 4, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Allyson Valadez - Nov 3, 2025
Very sorry to hear of John’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time.
Cynthia Lewellen Branham - Nov 3, 2025
Claudette and family, I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. May our merciful Father grant you comfort.and peace. Any time you want to talk, Claudette, call me. I can listen and offer a shoulder to cry on. May your many years together shine bright in your memories. Love, Cynthia
Brenda Cramer - Nov 3, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
