Richard Fulks

Richard Leon Fulks went to be with his Savior on June 30th, 2024. Surrounded by his daughters, he was reunited in heaven with the love of his life. Richard was born in Ahtanum (Yakima), Washington in a house 2 doors down from where he lived most of his married life. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Marie and his sister, Lois Leatham. Richard lived life to the fullest and every day was an adventure. He grew up in the city of Yakima, but spent most of his days hiking, fishing, camping and biking in the nearby mountains. Richard graduated from Yakima High School in 1952. After high school Richard joined the army with 2 buddies and arrived in Korea the day the armistice agreement was signed. One of his jobs was to “spy” on the Chinese to make sure they weren’t violating the agreement as they were withdrawing. In the army he became a mechanic that kept every type of vehicle running including the tanks. When he returned to Yakima he went to Central Washington College to get his education degree. He was on a date with a short blond at a college church group event when a tall brunette caught his eye. He ended up marrying the beautiful tall brunette named Marie and their love story continued until the day she died. They got married in 1959 and Richard always knew how many years they were married up to the day, hour and minute. They spent their lives loving well – loving each other, their 3 daughters, their family, friends and even strangers. In fact, Richard never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation and share his stories with everyone he met. They were always helping and encouraging those around them. Richard and Marie started their teaching careers in Monroe, Washington. After a year in Monroe they decided to move to Germany where Richard taught for 2 years on a military base. They enjoyed travelling all over Europe with their baby Cynthia and were joined by a second baby when Beverly was born in Germany. They returned to Yakima and Maria was born several years later. Richard taught at Ahtanum Valley School in 5th and 6th grade for most of his career with a couple years at the junior highschool wood shop. He was a strict teacher, but a lot of fun and beloved by all of his students. He spent his lunch hours teaching and playing chess with any student that wanted to learn. He was famous at the school for his apple pie baking instructing and everyone enjoyed the eating! Richard’s adventures continued every day of his life as he took his family camping, fishing, skiing and hiking. Richard did carpentry work his whole life besides teaching and Richard and Marie were active members in church and Bible Studies. After retirement they volunteered for 22 years with the Sowers (Servants on Wheels). While working on the Sower projects they would spend the winters in their 5th Wheel in warmer climates mostly in southern California and Arizona. Richard is survived by his brother, Kevin Fulks (Melinda) of Yakima; daughters Cynthia (Mark) Gibson of Yakima; Beverly Ward of Leavenworth; Maria (Bradley) Speer of Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren Caleb (Nina) Gibson, Tim Gibson (Steph), Stephanie (Brady) Bendall, Phil (Mackenzie) Ward, Ben (Heidi) Ward, Braxton Speer (Sierra), Madeline Speer, Brielle Speer; and great grandchildren Logan Ward, Brody Gibson, Mya Bendall & Monroe Bendall. A private burial will be held preceding the celebration of Richard’s life. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 12 pm, noon, at Wiley Union Church, 2711 S. Wiley Road, Yakima, WA 98903. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wiley Union Church or Union Gospel Mission. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Fulks, please visit our flower store.