Christopher Laine Fullerton

Christopher Lsin Fullerton, age 74, passed away peacefully on the morning of Feruary 17, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. He was many things, a Marine, a journeyman electritian, an avid fisherman, car buff and sports fan. He was a hard worker who would do anything to help others, whether and electrical job, working on cars, or any kind of construction or remodel. But mostly he was a guy with a big heart who loved his family, his friends and a good time.

Chris was born in San Diego, California on December 16, 1951, the second of six children born to Hugh Alexander Fullerton and Wanda Willie (Bryson) Fullerton. The family moved to El Cajon, a semi-rural suburb east of the city, when Chris was in first grade, and shortly afterward, his parents divorced. Times were rough for the next several years, the kids occasionally left on their own for days, often without food and electricity. Because of these circumstances, they became quite resourceful, and Chris developed a talent not only for procuring food without paying for it, but also became a great lifelong cook. In sixth grade, upon discovering the five-dollar prize for the school baking contest, he promptly made a cake from scratch and won.

Attendingthree schools in one year was not unusual, as rent was often an issue for a single woman on welfare with a half dozen kids. Chris spent two years in foster care, several stays in the county receiving home, and living at times with this relative and that. Always an indifferent student, he instead loved to tinker with things, from bicycles to clock radios to soapbox derby racers. His attraction to blowing stuff up somewheresomehow led to his getting a chemistry set one Christmas, and the smell of burnt sulphur everywhere convinced our mom to never again make that mistake.

Having left high school early, Chris was walking to work one rainy January morning in 1969, and ran into his brother, Scott, who'd been living in his car. Commiserating on the sidewalk, they decided to join the Marines and, before noon, found themselves enlisted. Chris served seven years in the Corps, becoming an administrative chief while attaining the rank of staff sergeant (quite a feat). He was posted in southern California, Okinawa, and HQMC, Washington D.C., where he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for his work on President Ford's National Clemency Board.

After the military, Chris lived in San Diego briefly but returned to Fairfax County, Virginia in 1980. For the next 37 years, Chris thrived in the construction industry in northern Virginia, eventually becoming a journeyman electrician with the IBEW.

It was also in the 80's Chris remarried and fathered two children, Christopher James and Natalie Jane. Chris guided his son through sports, often serving as a coach, and the two attended Redskins and Nationals games, and NASCAR events. It could be said he spoiled Natalie, the apple of his eye, but Chris swore he would never expose his kids to the suffering he'd endured as a child. Perhaps his greatest git to them, aside from his unconditional love, was imparting his fierce work ethic.

In 2017, Chris moved to Wenatchee to be near family and enjoy life, particularly fishing with his best buddy, Jerry Klien, at Alta Lake. Chris became an ardent Seahawks and Mariners fan as well.

Chris is survived by his son, Chris (Jenah), of Orondo, Wa his daughter, Natalie Hurley (Seth), of Stafford, VA and four grandchildren, Addison, Carter, Jack and Lincoln; a brither Scott (Dawn), of East Wenatchee, and sisters Becky Jones of Witnthrop, Bonnie Klien of Peshastin, and Sam (Larry) Zimmerland of Sonoita, AZ (formerly of Twisp); a fourth sister, Ginger died in 2019. He is also survived by half-brothers Kevin, Kelly, and Kory Fullerton, and a stepsister, Debbie Elam, all of southern California, as well as numerous nieces. nephews and cousins.

There will be no formal service, but a family gathering is planned.