Dennis Fultz

Dennis Fultz
1945 - 2025
Dennis Albert Fultz was born on January 22, 1945, and he passed away on April 22,
2025. He was 80 years old.
Dennis was born in Pasadena, CA, to Lee and Clara Fultz. When Dennis was 4-years
old, the family moved to a one-acre plot in Arcadia, CA. The land included horse corrals,
vegetable gardens and various farm animals, and plenty of room for Dennis and his
older brother, Gary, to get into trouble!
Together, the brothers built forts in trees, on the ground and underground. One such
underground fort featured a wooden cover and a trap door entrance! Once, Gary, and
his older friends, locked Dennis along with his lantern in the underground fort. When
Dennis eventually emerged, his face was covered with black powder and soot was
running from his nose.
Another time during a family outing, Dennis and Gary managed to place a lizard
inside their mom's pant leg while she was taking a nap. (The family laughed about that
story for the next 30 years!)
Sometime later, the brothers launched a rocket made from a piece of water pipe
which they had loaded with black powder. After it was launched and found embedded in
a neighbor's driveway, the brothers caught hell from their poor embarrassed parents!
There was a hundred-acre parcel of land adjoining their family plot. When it was
being farmed, the brothers played cowboys and flew their kites. But eventually their
extended playground was developed into a housing project, and when Gary went off to
college, Dennis was left to deal with farm life without his life-long childhood pal and
companion.
Dennis graduated from Arcadia High School in June 1963; and, after some time off
and a few odd jobs, he attended Cal Western University at Point Loma, San Diego, for 2
years. In November 1967, Dennis was drafted into the US Army. After training, he was
assigned to the 1st Air Calvary Division and soon thereafter, his unit was sent to
Vietnam. Working as a helicopter gunner, Denny spent almost 2 years in An Khê, a
town in the central highlands about 200 miles north of Saigon. Dennis was honorably
discharged, earning a Bronze Star, among other heroic metals.
After returning to the States, Dennis lived in the Crestline area of the San Bernardino
mountains in his parent's vacation home. During that time, he attended UC San
Bernardino for 2 years and earned a bachelor's degree.
Dennis eventually settled into a life-long career at Solar Turbines in San Diego, CA.
After retirement, Dennis and his wife, Kathy, moved to the Prescott area of Arizona. He
spent the last five years of his life in Kingman, Arizona, with friends and his beloved 4-
legged companion–his dog, Misty May.
From the mountains to the desert, Dennis will be remembered by his trademark
mustache, unflappable voice, genuine smile and distinctive chuckle. He was a true
patriot and gentleman. He was often found enjoying one of his aromatic cigars, while
playing cards with his buddies and sharing a good story. He loved the Old West and
enjoyed attending swap meets, target shooting and working with leather. Fireworks,
parades and rodeos were not to be missed, along with a dish of ice cream.
Dennis was a beloved brother, uncle and cousin to his few surviving relatives. He
leaves behind many close and cherished friends who were dear to him. He is survived
by his brother, Gary (Carole) Fultz of San Diego, CA; his niece, Lorelei (Dan) Ryan of
Tollhouse, CA; his nephew Darren Fultz of New York; three great nieces; one great
nephew; and other extended family members.
A memorial service will be held later. Until then, let us continue to celebrate Denny's
wonderful life by sharing our favorite memories and photos on his memorial page.
There, his spirit will live on in the stories we share, the fun we remember, and the love
we will never forget.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Salvation Army in honor of
Dennis A. Fultz.