Gary Lee “Charlie” Fulton, a great and RESPECTED man passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Heartland of Marion after a 33 year battle with heart failure at the early age of 67.
A native to Marion, Charlie was born March 9, 1949 to the late Findley “Ray” and Melba “Jean” (Heist) Fulton.
Charlie graduated from Pleasant High School in 1967 where he was a well known football player. After graduation, he went onto follow his passion of wrestling by moving to Michigan to train at the Lou Klein’s Gym until he enlisted in the US Army. Because of his love of wrestling and his physical abilities, Charlie specialized as a Physical Activities Specialist.
After serving his tour of duty with an honorable discharge, Charlie wrestled in various organizations including NWA, The World Wrestling Federation and the ASWA.
In May of 1990, Charlie married Irene Lynn Simmons and together started a life in Marion. Charlie and Irene opened The Monster Factory and later named the Mid-America Wrestling School where Charlie was a well respected and cherished coach, passing the torch of his wrestling knowledge down to hopeful students. He instilled on countless wrestlers the values of being humble and generous. Those were traits that Charlie lived by and although a quiet man, he would help anyone in need and not let any stand in harm’s way.
Later in life, Charlie worked for 13 years at The Mansfield Correctional Institution as an officer, was a member of CPAAA, FOPA, and American Legion Post 584.
Charlie will be missed by wife, Irene Fulton of Marion; daughter, Lisa Shawver of Wyandotte, MI; grandchildren, Scottie and Samantha Shawver; dogs, Cori and Brooklyn; and countless friends, students and colleagues.
Graveside services will be held 1:00 pm Friday, March 18, 2016 at The Historic Marion Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Charlie’s honor to the Marion Area Humane Society.
Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fulton Family and online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
