Richard (Dick) Carlton Fulcher

Richard (Dick) Carlton Fulcher, age 75, passed away suddenly Aug. 14, 2019, at his home in St. David, Ariz. He was a resident of St. David since 1991. Dick was born in Sac City, Iowa, on July 5, 1944, to Richard C. and Gerrolyn J. (Hoff) Fulcher. He was the eldest of seven children. He had five brothers and one sister.

Dick was raised in Fonda and Sac City, Iowa, and attended school at Lady of Good Council. After graduation he moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and enlisted in the United States Army Reserve from 1965-1970. While in Des Moines, he worked at Bookey Packing Co. In the fall of 1969, he met his soon-to-be-wife at a pool tournament. It was love at first sight. On Jan. 31, 1970, he was united in marriage with Patricia (Pat) Garmon by the Justice of the Peace in Des Moines. The following year in January, after Pat had converted to Catholicism to join Dick in his faith, they were joined again in marriage by their Catholic priest. In kidding, Pat always told Dick that she should get two anniversary gifts since they were married twice. They were inseparable for 48 years until Pat’s passing in January 2018. They lived in Des Moines for a few years then moved to Truro, Iowa, and worked on a pig and sheep farm. During those years, they had two sons, Lance and Trent.

Dick enjoyed getting together with his Iowa buddies regularly to play poker or shoot pool. He was quite successful at winning pool tournaments and his buddies called him the shark. He especially enjoyed going to the Iowa State Fair and challenging the midway games. He was super good at the penny pitch game and Pat would go home with an arm load of stuffed animals. One year, Minnesota Fats, professional billiards player and entertainer, was at the fair and challenged anyone to play against him so Dick entered and won clearing the table on the break. He was fun-loving and had a great sense of humor, often playing harmless pranks on those he knew best.

In 1981 Dick, Pat and their two sons moved to the Benson area and in 1991 made St. David their final home. From 1981-1989, Dick worked at Grandma Goodman’s, Gordan’s Grocery and Addison Construction. He joined Arizona Electric Power Company (AEPCO) in 1989 and worked at the power plant until he retired in 2006.

Dick enjoyed hunting and fishing and for many years they would go to the Springerville area in the White Mountains to hunt deer and elk and to the San Carlos Lake for camping and fishing. He and Pat were well-known for their Christmas candy plates. They would spend days making a variety of candies and goodies and preparing plates to give away. Dick also did woodworking projects and generously gave family and friends gifts of his work. He enjoyed cooking, tending his flowers and garden, feeding the birds, and watching TV sport programs especially the UofA men’s basketball team. His little poodle Tucker was his faithful companion and comfort following the loss of his wife Pat.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents Richard C. and Gerrolyn J. (Hoff) Fulcher, his brother John Fulcher and his sister Karlene Belz; and his beloved wife Patricia (Garmon). He is survived by his son Lance (Amanda) Fulcher, granddaughters Camryn and Paige Fulcher of Pomerene, Ariz.; son Trent (Ellen) Fulcher, grandson Brady Fulcher of Ankeny, Iowa; brothers: Gary (Diane) Fulcher, Storm Lake, Iowa; Paul Fulcher, Lytton, Iowa; Mark (Amy) Fulcher, Ashland, Kans.; Mike Fulcher, Sac City, Iowa; brother-in-law Stephen Garmon, Des Moines, Iowa; brother-in-law Terry Garmon, Tucson, Ariz.; sister-in-law Karen Garmon, St. David, Ariz.; sister-in-law Sheila (Scott) Perkins, St. David, Ariz. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was a devoted husband and to all who loved him as a father, brother, grandfather, uncle or cousin; and those who called him a friend, he will forever be held dearly and lovingly in our hearts and the memories we have of him will live on.

Gone but not forgotten

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