Wayne Fullmer

WAYNE M. FULLMER

(February 26, 1933 – June 16, 2022)

Wayne Myron Fullmer of South Jordan, Utah, age 89, passed away peacefully beside his beloved wife Barbara on June 16, 2022.  He was born in Bingham Canyon, Utah on February 26, 1933 to Patsy James and George Myron Fullmer.  Wayne was the youngest of 2 children, and graduated from Bingham High School’s Class of 1951.

Wayne started college at the University of Utah, but then experienced his first flight on an airplane to Denver to test for the Air Force’s Cadet program.  Wayne graduated from Cadets and then Pilot Training in 1955 from Williams AFB in Arizona, and married Barbara Martin of Magna, Utah in April 1955.  This started their exciting and varied life as an Air Force couple, where they were stationed at various bases around the United States and in Puerto Rico.  Wayne also served in Ubon, Thailand during the Vietnam War.  After a 27 ½ year Air Force career, Colonel Fullmer retired back in Utah, settling in South Jordan.  Along the way he and Barbara were blessed with five children, Chris (Tucson, AZ), Jim (Flower Mound, TX), Rick (Houston, TX), Ron (West Jordan, UT), and Connie (Penn Valley, CA).

While serving in the U.S. Air Force, Wayne flew the T-6, B-29, B-47, B-52, C-47, F-4, and T-39 aircraft, and finally the OV-1 Mohawk.  He never said goodbye to the great crew members he met and worked with throughout his military career, but instead said “See you later,” as they nearly always did.  Wayne received his Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Ohio, and completed his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Auburn University, while attending Air War College in Alabama.

Wayne loved to work with his hands, whether it be growing vegetables in his huge garden, working on classic cars, such as his Model A, Model T, and Studebaker Silver Hawk, or being a general fix-it man for his extended family.  He spent free time serving in the Lion’s Club, while in Arizona, and the Wasatch, Utah Chapter of the Studebaker Club.  Wayne loved the outdoors, including skeet shooting, hunting, and fishing the Utah lakes in the Uintas with his Dad and his kids.  He was a kid at heart, and enjoyed keeping up with his kids during family ski outings.  Wayne played sports as a youth in Bingham, loved following the sporting activities of his children, and thoroughly enjoyed supporting the University of Utah Utes football and basketball teams and the Utah Jazz NBA team, as well as bowling in several leagues with Barbara.  Wayne and Barbara also truly enjoyed dancing, and even met on a double date when they discovered each of their dates didn’t like to dance!  They enjoyed their travels during Wayne’s years of Air Force service, and later the trips to visit their kids’ various homes in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Idaho, California, and Colorado.  They also enjoyed the many gatherings and trips they regularly had with their cousins.  Wayne and Barbara recently celebrated their 67^th wedding anniversary.  All who knew Wayne respected and loved him for his reliability, generosity, intelligence, and humor.

Wayne is survived by his wife Barbara, sister Frances Boren, sisters-in-law June Martin and Barbie Martin, children Chris Hughes, Jim (Brenda) Fullmer, Rick (Barb) Fullmer, Ron (Becky) Fullmer, and Connie Merten.  Grandchildren:  Jake Bateman (Rachel), Evan Hughes, Jantzen Albee, Wes Bateman, Paul Fullmer, Courtney Hughes, Bryan Fullmer, Rachael Merten, Allison Merten, Mackenzie Fullmer, Robert Fullmer, Matthew Fullmer, Nathan Merten, and Great Grandchild Millie Merten, as well as many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by his parents, sisters-in-law Gerry Peel and Janice Martin and brothers-in-law Dee Peel, Hollis Martin, Shirrel Martin, Glen Martin and George Stokes.

The family appreciates all of the help and loving care provided by Harmony Home Health, and most recently by Utah Home Health.  You were all invaluable to Wayne and to the family.  Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made in Wayne’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, Honor Flight, or a veteran’s or children’s charity of your choice.

Viewings will be held Thursday, June 23^rd from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Peel Funeral Home, 8525 W. 2700 S., Magna, Utah 84044 and Friday, June 24^th from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 24^th at Peel Funeral Home Chapel, 8525 W. 2700 S., Magna, Utah 84044.

Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens, Sandy, Utah.

Off we go into the Wild Blue Yonder………………