Gale P. Fulton, Sr

Gale P. Fulton Sr. of Holland passed away peacefully in his sleep at the home of his daughter in Colorado at the age of 76. Gale, called Pat by his family, was born at home on January 1, 1940 in Toledo, Ohio to parents Ellsworth W. Fulton (Sonny) and Marjorie (Hobling) Fulton. His mother passed away when he was just 8 years old and his father later remarried to Marjorie’s sister, Shirley Hobling. After graduating from Springfield High School in Holland in 1958, Gale worked at WTOL news station as a news photographer. In 1960, he and his cousin, Glenn Hoffman, drove cross-country to California where Gale hoped to pursue a photography career in the entertainment industry. He eventually joined the Navy instead where he became a photographer and remained on active duty for 10 years. The ocean fascinated him, and he often talked about how he could sit for hours just staring out to sea. His tales of adventure from his Navy days would later inspire his two oldest children to join the Navy, and he shared his love of photography with his youngest daughter. Later in his naval career, Gale married and had two children, Angie and Gale Jr. After a divorce, he decided to leave Navy life in the summer of 1970 and return to Ohio in order to raise his children near his family.In the autumn of 1970, Gale met his future wife of 44 years, Patty, at a horse show in Whitehouse, OH.Gale and Patty married on May 29th, 1971 and had a daughter, Kristen, in 1974. Gale loved his family and was very active in the lives of his children. He always supported their endeavors and was very proud of them. He had many friends around Holland and the surrounding areas; it was rare for him to go out in public and not see someone he knew. He also loved people-watching and talking to strangers, and he made many friends at restaurants and stores he frequented. He loved music, particularly country music, and played bass guitar in a number of bands over the years. Gale is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia (Haase) Fulton; his son, Gale (Kim) Fulton Jr.; daughters Angela Fulton and Kristen (Kevin) McFadden; brothers Michael (Cindy) and Ken Fulton; sister, Susie (Pat) Sheahan; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Carolyn Manley; parents, Ellsworth and Marjorie Fulton; and step-mother Shirley (Hobling) Miller. The family will receive friends at Neville Funeral Home on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 9:30 am until the time of service at 10:30 am, with burial to follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association or animal rescue organization of your choice.