John A. Fuller

Dr. John Adams Fuller, 89, died unexpectedly at home on July 18, 2017 in Midland, Michigan. He was born in Oxford, Michigan on April 21, 1928, the youngest son of Elsie Adams Tenney and Clare George Fuller.

Upon graduation in 1946 from Oxford High School, he attended Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. John graduated from Michigan State University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Agriculture and Applied Science and also earned a provisional certificate from the State of Michigan to teach agriculture, farm shop, social science, and general science at the high school level. Four years later, he received his State Secondary Permanent Certificate to teach the same subjects. He received an Advanced Graduate Study diploma from Michigan State University in 1964. John continued his education with graduate studies in guidance counseling from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He received the degree of Doctor of Education from Duke University, Durham, North Carolina in 1971.

John married the love of his life, Joanne Wilma Myers, on August 16, 1952 in Grass Lake, Michigan. They were by each other's side for almost 65 years.

John firmly believed education led to advancement in life, so he dedicated his life to teaching others. He taught in Ortonville, Sebewaing, and at Elkton-Pigeon-Bayport High School, all in Michigan. Work for the Michigan Artificial Breeders took him to Lansing, Michigan. While working as a guidance counselor at Bullock Creek High School in Midland, Michigan, John started the school's co-op program, which allowed seniors to attend classes and also work a part-time job in the community.

In 1967, he shifted gears and took the position of guidance counselor for Delta College, University Center, Michigan and three years later moved to the position of registrar. As registrar, he worked hard to modify, upgrade, and improve the registration and permanent record systems for Delta College. John remained committed to Delta College throughout most of his professional life, retiring in 1988. John served as Senate President in 1973 and received the Don Laughner Award for Creative Change, which is awarded to an employee who makes "contributions that result in significant change in the institution," in 1988. He served on the Delta College Board of Trustees from 1989 to 2000, filling the roles of chairman and vice-chairman during his tenure. John and his wife, Joanne, also established the Dr. John and Joanne Fuller Scholarship Endowment at Delta College. John and Joanne also were avid supporters of the Michigan State University College of Education Foundation.

John enjoyed bowling, gardening, fishing, hunting, and golfing. He was a professing member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for a number of years. He also played clarinet with the Michigan State Alumni Band and traveled with the group to Europe in 1995. Every fall, he was out on the field tooting his clarinet, dressed in MSU green and white. John also was member and president of the Bullock Creek School Board for several years. His leadership skills were put to use as a member of the Ingersoll Township Board as well.

John is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Wilma (Myers) Fuller of Midland, Michigan. He will be sorely missed by his children, Judith (Douglas) VanMeter of Frankfort, Michigan; Jeffrey (Kathy) Fuller of Grand Haven, Michigan; and Jennifer (Timothy) Klingler of Midland, Michigan. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Kariann VanMeter, Jeffrey (Laura) Fuller, Adam (Kendel) VanMeter, Matthew (Jenna) Fuller, Jason (Vanessa) Fuller, Sarah Klingler, Jesse Fuller, and Joshua Klingler. Great-grandchildren surviving him include Hunter and Savannah VanMeter; Matthew and Emily Fuller; and Mathiu, Nikolai, and Evelyn Fuller.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Clare G. and Elsie A. Fuller and stepmother, Allene Fuller; brother, Richard Fuller; and infant son, Bruce John Fuller.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2206 Airfield Lane, Midland, Michigan. The Reverend Lyn F. Frazier of Poseyville United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will take place at 3:30 p.m. in Poseyville Cemetery. The family will receive guests at Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Road in Midland on Friday, July 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Dr. John and Joanne Fuller Scholarship Endowment at Delta College, 1961 Delta Road, University Center, Michigan 48710. Personal messages of condolence maybe offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com

SERVICES Visitation

Friday, July 21, 2017
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Wilson MILLER Funeral Home
4210 N. Saginaw Rd
Midland, Michigan 48640

Visitation

Saturday, July 22, 2017
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Aldersgate United Methodist Church
2206 Airfield Lane
Midland, Michigan 48642

Funeral Service

Saturday, July 22, 2017
1:00 PM

Aldersgate United Methodist Church
2206 Airfield Lane
Midland, Michigan 48642

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