Michael Joe Fulghum's Obituary
Michael Joe Fulghum, age 81 of Fredonia, KS, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, KS.
Mike was born September 1, 1941 to Joseph and Fayne (Brindle) Fulghum, in Fredonia, KS. He grew up and attended high school in Fredonia, graduating from FHS in the class of 1959. He continued his education at Coffeyville Junior College, then graduated from Kansas University with a bachelor degree in education. Throughout his school years, Mike was a star athlete, especially as a distance runner, and in track. This could be seen by all of his awards and trophies he won.
After graduating college, Mike went right to teaching and coaching. He began his career in Troy, Kansas, then Leon, Kansas and Eureka, Kansas, before settling in as teacher and athletics coach in Neodesha, Kansas. He loved his job and especially enjoyed coaching track. He retired in 1991.
In 1990, Mike married Billie Graff at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia, Kansas. They have spent the last 33 wonderful years together, taking many trips across the United States and Canada with Billie and her boys. He was known as a coon hunter extraordinaire, and was well known for his 42 self-organized fishing trips to Canada, taking along family and friends.
Mike helped mold and influence many kids into the adults they are today, and made a positive impact on many lives. He will be missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Billie of the home
Step-sons
Brian (Kathi Bolton) Graff of Neodesha
Darin (Kathy) Graff of Neodesha
Siblings:
Jack (Joyce) Fulghum of Fredonia
Jola Charles of Ft. Collins, CO
George (Judy) Fulghum of Wichita
Richard (Rita) Fulghum of Fredonia
Bob Fulghum of Fredonia
Many nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick Fulghum; brother-in-law, Joe Charles; and sister-in-law, Patsy Fulghum
The family will receive friends at visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th, Fredonia, Kansas
Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 9:30 AM, followed by Mass at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1224 Madison St., Fredonia, Kansas
Memorial contributions are suggested to Fredonia Flag Fund or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.
Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th, PO Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736
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