Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
L. Fullmer Obituary
"Champ"
Lawrence Gene Fullmer passed peacefully from this earth on April 27, 2015 due to complications related to Alzheimer's disease.
Gene was born July 21, 1931 to Lawrence"Tuff" and Mary Emma Iff Fullmer. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1949. He worked at Kennecott Copper Mine for several years and proudly served in the Korean War. Upon his return he married his sweetheart, Dolores Holt, October 13, 1955 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They raised 2 daughters and 2 sons.
Gene is known for his success in the boxing ring. He began his fighting career at age 12 for local trainer Marv Jensen. After an impressive amateur career he debuted as a professional in 1951. The highlight of his career came on January 2, 1957 when he defeated Sugar Ray Robinson in a 15 round battle for the World Middleweight Championship. He then lost the Championship in a rematch to Sugar Ray in May of 1957. Gene regained the vacant Middleweight Championship by defeating Carmen Basilio on August 28, 1959. He successfully defended his title seven times and fought in a total of 13 championship fights. He compiled an impressive record of 55-6-3. Gene was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991. His greatest loss was not suffered in the ring but when his wife Dolores passed away on January 2, 1983. He was fortunate to find his second sweetheart Karen Davey; they were married on May 19, 1984. They were approaching their 31st wedding anniversary at the time of Gene's passing.
After his boxing career Gene found pleasure in farming, raising mink and racing quarter horses. Gene was instrumental in the formation of the Golden Gloves in the Rocky Mountain Region. Along with his brothers Don and Jay, Gene spent countless hours coaching young men at the Fullmer Brothers Boxing Gym. He and Karen also spent many years serving on the Salt Lake County Fair Board. Gene always valued lessons that he learned from Marv Jensen regarding honesty, integrity and hard work. Gene never took for granted an opportunity to pass these lessons on to others. He also served as a Sunday School and Priesthood teacher for many years in the LDS Church. He will be remembered for his witty and cheerful personality. He was constantly telling jokes and pulling pranks.
Gene is preceded in death by his first wife Dolores; parents Tuff and Mary; sister Colleen; brothers Don and Jay; grandson Rex Newlun. Gene is survived by his wife Karen; four children: Kaye (Michael), DeLaun (Vicki), Bart (Tracy), Marianne (Rick) and his two step sons Vard and Jeffrey Davey. He will be truly missed by 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.
The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Legacy Memory Care and Brighton Hospice for their tender care.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 4, 2015, 11:30 am at the West Jordan Mountain View Stake, 2901 West 9000 South where viewings will be held Sunday, May 3, 2015, 5-9:00 pm. and Monday, May 4, 2015, 9:30-11:00 am prior to funeral services. Interment, South Jordan City Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves at any Chase Bank or a memorial donation for Alzheimer's at www.alz.org/utah/ .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for L. Fullmer
Sponsored by McDougal Funeral Home.
rick morris
April 24, 2021
i miss seeing gene and karen in mesquite
they were the best!
rick morris
James Collvins
May 7, 2015
Gene was a true man in his beliefs in and out of the ring. He taught my son and myself how to box and must of all how to achieve your dreams and be a good man. I remember taking my son to meet Gene for the first time when his gym was in the Old Riverton School on Redwood. Gene asked my son so you want to box, turned and said why? Do you want to look like your dad and me Gene went on to explain his expectations as to school and being a good kid. My son boxed and became a good man while in Gene's rings, as many other boys did.
I hope the world knows what we lost in Gene's passing, more then that I hope the world knows what we gained by Gene living. Last round champ, gods speed.
Jim Collvins
Sara Bodily
May 6, 2015
I just want to tell all of you how sorry I am to hear about Gene. I also want to thank all of you for the wonderful memories I have with all of you. Working at Gene Fullmers was the best years of my life. What wonderful memories I have Gene and all of you. My heart and prayers go out to all of you. I am so sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral but I had just had surgery. I so much wanted to give you my love in person. I miss our good old days. Love and miss all of you.
Austin McChesney
May 5, 2015
Sorry Bart and Delaun to here about your dad he will be missed. Love and prayers go with you and your family's.
John Lippmann
May 5, 2015
DeLaun,
I express to you and your family my deepest condolences for the passing of your father. You are very fortunate to have had him as your dad.
Sincerely,
A former Rolling Meadows colleague
Mary Scott
May 4, 2015
I remember watching Gene beat Bailio. We were so proud of him. Gene taught me to throw a punch and being the smallest kid, everywhere we moved that gave me quite an edge. No one could believe the damage a skinny little girl like me could do. I will always be grateful to him for teaching me how to protect myself. Gene was one of God's best gifts. Mary Kay Burgon
Manda Lujan
May 4, 2015
Growing up, my great grandma Ida May Fullmer always told me stories of Gene. It was the closest I had of memories to that side of the family. I would like to think that cousin Gene was met with open arms by our family in heaven, including Great Grandma Fullmer and her Daughter Merla Tanner (Lujan married name). We laid Grandma Lujan to rest two days after Cousin Gene Died. Gene was an inspiration to us all although I never had the chance to meet him. My dad would take me to see his Boxing Items in West Jordan. Wish I could have gotten to know this side of the family other then my great grandma Fullmer. I do not think she ever took on her married name though.
Shelly Thomas
May 4, 2015
Karen, I haven't stopped thinking of you and Gene since I left The Heart Center. You both were a highlight of my days spent there. I send my condelences and hugs to you and the Fullmer Family.
Rod Casper, my nose got fixed!
Rod Casper
May 4, 2015
My father and I watched the Pabst Blue Ribbon fights on Friday nights when I was a kid. I remember we watched Gene fight Sugar Ray Robinson each time. I grew up in Oregon and we were proud of our LDS Utah World Champion. My grandpa, my father and my brother were boxers and each of us boys learned to box. As a 19 year old missionary and with my nose having been broken several times, my companions thought I looked like Gene. I guess I still do today. He was a great man in many ways. I often referee basketball at his recreation center and enjoy seeing his trophys, his gloves, his belt and photos of his fights with Sugar Ray! Condolences to the family. -Rod Casper
Michelle Craythorn
May 4, 2015
Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about Gene passing away. I will always remember all the times he would make me smile and laugh at the county fair. Even if I was having a bad day he would make me laugh. I will miss seeing him.........
Larry Peck
May 3, 2015
Fullmer Family,
I will always remember Mr. Gene at the boxing matches, quick with a smile and a laugh. I even remember him refereeing some of my fights and he had this grin on his face......like there was nowhere on Earth he'd rather have been. I believe that to be true. He was happiest when in the ring! God bless you all-
Kyle Kelson
May 3, 2015
To the Fullmers,thank you for all the memories and the stories we grew up with over the years,thank you for Don,Jay and Gene who are, and will remain our legends to look up to,we are honored to have known them,me and my family will always cherish the time spent with them,they were a great influence in my life,may your lives be blessed with joy and happiness with all you do,from our family to yours,we love you! and God bless you!
Stephen Butler
May 3, 2015
My grandpa Park D Butler. Worked with Gene, at Kennecott, a copperfield family. And grandpa spared with Gene before he went golden gloves. The man and ledgen will be missed.. From the Butler family.
Sherese Merrill (KLOTOVich
May 3, 2015
Dear Marianne and family. My fondest childhood memories are of being with you and spending time at your home. You were all so funny and kind. Your dad was a great boxer but, most importantly, a great father and husband. I am so honored to say I know Gene Fullmer. Love you all and have you in my heart. Sherese
May 3, 2015
Gene won a match on the day I was born in 1960 . My father had to miss the match. I have always thought of him on my birthday.
Dan and Karen Johnson
May 3, 2015
Dear Fullmer Family:
Wow! I have so many stories I can share. Spending time with Kaye (he teased us constantly); Kaye's shower; just running into Gene somewhere; restaurant stories...and more. He was mischievous and could always make me giggle and laugh. We love you FULLMER FAMILY. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. XOXOXO
Neal Ketterer
May 3, 2015
May god bless you Mr. Fullmer. Rest in peace...
LEE HALVERSON
May 2, 2015
GENE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND I WAS GOOD FRIENDS WITH HIS SISTER AND THIS MOM AND DAD.
KATHY giles
May 1, 2015
Our paths with Gene crossed many times. He was my Sunday School teacher as a young adult. I had the opportunity to tend his children. We trained race horses for Gene and Bred his Mares. We loved him dearly and enjoyed his humor. He will be missed by all. All our love Lee & Kathy (Erickson) Giles,
Glen Gonzales
May 1, 2015
To the Fullmer family. I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked for Gene on his mink farm. He was the best boss I ever had. Sure going to be missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Fullmer family. I'm just so saddened.
May 1, 2015
Karen and family sorry for your loss he is such a sweet man worked the fair for several years and it was always a joy to see him he also did some boxing with my dad Franklin D Roche back in there younger days rest in piece love Leon and Penny Johnson
Max T Gallegos
May 1, 2015
As a former Golden Gloves boxer, I have many fond memories growing up among the Fullmer's.
To the entire Fullmer family, I'm very sorry for the losses you have recently endured. You are in my thoughts and my most heartfelt sympathy is yours. May you find peace and comfort in all your wonderful memories.
May 1, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Fullmer family. Douglas Strickling and Rebekah (Draper)Strickling
Andrew Poulos
May 1, 2015
Thank you for everything Gene.
See you on the other side..
Don haynie
April 30, 2015
I'll miss knowing he's around, my condolences to the family.
Jill Andersen
April 30, 2015
In 1996, my friend and co-worker, Chris (Hartshorn) Steed and I had the rare privilege and honor to work with two amazing people, Gene & Karen Fullmer, at the March of Dimes Gourmet Gala. True to form, Gene and Karen won first place that year. May the Fullmer family be blessed with love, peace and comfort as we all say goodbye and pay tribute to not only Utah's own World Middleweight Boxing Champion but to an amazing man who gave generously of his time, talents and kindness. Gene, you had the heart of a champion!!
Gene Overall
April 30, 2015
Delaun, Vicki and Family,
Gene and I were so sorry to hear about your dad..He is at peace now with our Heavenly Father... Just remember all the good times you had with him and his family...We will be thinking about you come Monday. We love you both, Sue Overall
Kent Sorensen
April 30, 2015
Karen, Sorry to hear of Genes passing.. I remember all the good times I had with him and you at the county fairs
Emily Miles-Birtcher
April 30, 2015
Karen, I was so saddened to hear of Gene's death. Your care and devotion to Gene was always evidence of your love and the wonderful marriage you shared. I have been lucky to be your friend, and to hear of what a great and loving husband he was to you, even during his last illness. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss, and the hope that you will be comforted by the knowledge that you will be together in the eternities.
Nola Brown- Stirling
April 30, 2015
Kaye, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. He was a celebrity, but he was just your dad. I know you loved him very much and he loved his children. Please express my sincere sympathies to your siblings and your children for the sad passing of your father, grandfather, he will be sorely missed by many. Love you Kaye.
Rick Morris
April 30, 2015
Karen and family
My condolences to you for the passing of gene
I enjoyed the many years you and gene supported our celebrity tournaments in mesquite
He was a nice man
God bless
Rick morris
David Fullmer
April 30, 2015
Gene not only represented his religion and state well to a national, even world audience, he changed forever what it means to be a "Fullmer. I mourn his passing, but rejoice in his incredible life.
David J Fullmer
Rex Winterton
April 30, 2015
I remember Gene and his wit at the Huntsman Senior Games. What a delight. More than a champion just in the ring. Rex Winterton
Pine Valley, Utah
Linda Jenkins
April 30, 2015
Karen and Family, Larry and I are so sorry with the passing of Gene. He is in that eternal boxing ring and is out of his earthly body - Love Larry and Linda Jenkins
Ron Lacanfirs
April 30, 2015
All action fighter thanks for making history
April 30, 2015
Dear Fullmer Family,
Our deepest condolences to you at the passing of not only a legend, but much more, he is a true friend, neighbor, son, husband and father. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead and cherish the memories you have made.
Frank Malmstrom family, West Jordan, Utah
Dan Talbot
April 30, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Fullmer family. We will miss both Gene and Jay.
Kimberly Best-Urra
April 29, 2015
Our hearts, sympathies, and condolences go out to the Fullmer family at this time of need. My mom and dad told me many stories about Gene, especially how my dad would go out to coffee with his cousin. Of course, my mom never knew at the time who the cousin was until my dad said that it was Gene Fullmer. I'm sure my dad, Vernon, is having a cup of coffee with Gene and the rest of his brothers up in the heavens.
~The Best family
Annette Klotovich
April 29, 2015
Dear Fullmer Family, I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your family with all of us. It was a wonderful, magical time growing up in West Jordan. All "The boys" were loved and respected. What wonderful memories of your Family all we have through generations. God be with you.
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
Make a Donation
in L. Fullmer's name
Memorial Events
for L. Fullmer
How to support L.'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor L. Fullmer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
