Calvin Benjamin Fulton

Rev. Calvin Benjamin (Ben) Fulton, 84, of Roanoke, answered God's call to "Come Home" on Thursday morning, September 4, 2008, at Friendship Health and Rehab Center. Born on December 27, 1923, Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Harrison and Channing Padgett Fulton; his brothers, Benny and Orina Fulton; and his in-laws, Joseph Milton and Gussie Bowen Beckner.
Ben is survived by his one and only true love, Josephine Beckner Fulton, to whom he was married for 64 years. He is also survived by his children, Darla and John Allman, Gary and Carol Fulton, and Anita Beth and Richard Looney. He was very proud of his grandchildren, Wesley Dean Fulton, Gavin Neal Fulton, Stephanie and Daniel Guthrie, Shannon and Kris Stinson and Amy Lauren Looney; and his one great-grandson, Declan Gregory Fulton. Also surviving are his brother, Algie and Helen Fulton; and his sisters, Lillian Fulton Wilson, Ruth Fulton Roberts, Claudine Fulton Ellis, and Esterline and Eddie Pearce; his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Barbara Beckner; many nieces and nephews to whom he was known as "Uncle Benjie;" and many cousins and wonderful friends.
Ben attended William Byrd High School in Vinton before entering the workforce at Norfolk and Western Railway, followed by enlistment in the Army Air Corps during World War II where he served as Corporal in the Battle of the Bulge, and as a courier/ photographer in Weisbaden, Germany, under General Omar Bradley. After the war, he returned to work at Norfolk Western Railway as a diesel electrician at the Roanoke East End Shops until his retirement. He held two pastorates after that at Callaway Brethren in Christ Church and at Gospel Grace Brethren Church in the Starkey area. He was very active in the Southeast Civic League, served as a precinct worker at the polls, and once ran unsuccessfully for City Council.
Ben never met many strangers, was a jack-of-all-trades, he could fix practically anything, had a contagious smile, and was a very giving and helpful person to all. He loved people and he loved to sing. These two qualities helped him in his soul winning mission because he led many to give their hearts to Christ. Since 2004, he experienced declining health but his faith in God never once wavered.
Friends are invited to visit with his family on Sunday, September 7, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's North Chapel, Peters Creek Road, N.W.,, Roanoke. A Homegoing Service to celebrate his life will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2008, at Oakey's North Chapel officiated by the Rev. Greg Moser and Dr. Wayne Sellers. Interment will follow the service at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Flowers will be appreciated or contributions may be made in his memory to the League of Older Americans, Meals on Wheels Program, or the American Parkinson's Association.
The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Friendship Health and Rehab Center, his former caregivers, and to Dr. Michael Malpass and Dr. Clifford Nottingham, for the care and concern given our father.