Charles W. Fultz

Charles Warren Fultz, age 102, was the beloved husband of the late Helen Todd Fultz, with whom he shared many wonderful years until her passing in 2009. He was later the devoted husband of the late Shirley Raht, and then shared a cherished companionship with the late Athena Digrindakis. 

Charles was the loving father of Charlotte (Peter) Fries, Jean (the late Al) Cookson, David (Melanie) Fultz, Mary (Terry) Brennan, and Robert (Jennie) Fultz; proud grandfather of David Mason, Amanda (Torrez), Joshua, Jordan, Steven, Kathleen (Kevin), Jennifer (Jonathan), Margaret (John), Kellie (who preceded him in death), Sean, Alex, Chris, and James; and dear great-grandfather of TaLonna, Rhetli, Rayker, Cecilia, Benjamin, Amelia, Annalise, Elodie, and Brady. 

Charles was also the brother of Elbert (Carolyn Fultz) and Kenneth (Audrey Fultz), all of whom preceded him in death. 

Charles, known to most as Charlie, was a steady presence in the ever changing lives of his family. He attended countless sporting events, recitals, musical performances, graduations, Eagle Scout ceremonies, and every occasion that celebrated the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He was a faithful member of Faith United Methodist Church in Lisle for decades and later joined St. Luke Church in Downers Grove. 

Charlie was born on December 17, 1922, in Daleville, Kansas, the son of Charles August Fultz and Margaret Everetts. He grew up on the family farm alongside his brothers, where he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and family. He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Kansas. In 1936, through the sacrifices and support of his family, he was able to attend high school, first enrolling in a nearby town before later transferring to Effingham, Kansas, where he graduated. 

Following graduation, Charlie worked as a school bus driver before moving to Tacoma, Washington, where he was employed in the shipyards. He later enlisted in the Army Air Corps, now known as the U.S. Air Force. There, he trained as a radar mechanic and operator, working closely with navigators to guide B-29s on long-range missions, and was assigned to the 58th Bomb Wing. Charlie was stationed in India and found it ironic that he traveled there on a ship he had helped build in the Tacoma shipyards. 

While stationed in India, Charlie flew on the first mission ever undertaken by a B-29 bomber (June 6, 1944, over Thailand). During his service, he completed 35 missions, many of which involved flying gasoline "over the Hump" (the Himalayan Mountains) to supply fuel for aircraft bound for Japan. On June 15, 1944, he participated in the first B-29 mission to strike Japan since the Doolittle Raid, coinciding with the invasion of Saipan. Charlie later moved with his crew to Tinian, one of the Mariana Islands captured during the Battle of Saipan, where missions were organized to strike Japan. He was scheduled to fly on a mission but was reassigned at the last moment. The aircraft he would have been aboard was tragically shot down. Charlie was honorably discharged following the end of World War II on September 25, 1945. 

After returning home and adjusting to civilian life, Charlie used the G.I. Bill to attend Kansas State University, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. While attending Kansas State, he met his future wife, Helen Todd Fultz, through friends, and they were married on February 24, 1951. By then, he had already begun his career with Swift & Company, where he worked from 1949 until he retired in 1986 as Senior Project Manager. His position required several relocations, and over the years, Charlie and Helen made their home in Omaha, Nebraska; West Covina, California; Downers Grove, Illinois; Stockton, California; Marshalltown, Iowa; and Lisle, Illinois. Following his retirement, Helen and Charlie took a memorable trip together to Hawaii. In his latter years he enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and meeting friends for coffee. He remained proud of his military service, attending many Army Air Corps reunions and taking part in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with a dear friend. Together, Helen and Charlie traveled to visit their children and grandchildren in Nebraska and California, Charlie continued those visits even after Helen’s passing. 

Charlie cared about his health, perhaps thanks to his years married to Helen, a dietitian, however never passed up dessert, especially chocolate. He was known for always cleaning his plate, no matter the meal. He remained active throughout his life and could often be found exercising at the Lisle Park District fitness center well into his 90s. 

Charlie lived an extraordinary life marked by faith, hard work, and love for his family. He will be deeply missed, but his family finds comfort in knowing he is at peace and reunited with his loved ones who passed before him. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke Church in honor of Charlie Fultz. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Luke in support of their meal programs for those in need. Following the service, the family will gather at the cemetery for a private burial.