E. Richard Fullerton, 81, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Soldiers and Sailors Care Center, Mt. Pleasant. He was born October 31, 1944 in Columbus Junction to Lavon W. and Corinne E. Peters Fullerton. On October 2, 1966, at the New London Presbyterian Church, he married Anna Marie Crockett. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant.
He was a 1963 graduate of New London High School and attended the University of Illinois where he studied Horology and Micro Precision Technology, took some first year engineering courses, and math and drafting composition. He took a nine month course and became a licensed watchmaker. He entered the National Guard in 1965, became full time in 1973 and retired as a 1st Sgt. in 2004. Highlights in his military career were performing with the 34th Army Band out of Fairfield, setting up tours at Camp Dodge from 1986 – 2004, for eight years being an emergency trainer with GESAC, and the last four years before retiring, heading up the drug testing program.
As a young man, he apprenticed with Arnold DeJaynes, later buying DeJaynes Jewelers in New London and owned and operated Fullerton Jewelry for several years, also working at jewelry stores in Monticello and Anamosa. He enjoyed wintering in Texas; traveling with his wife, Anna with highlights to Israel, Hawaii and Alaska; and volunteering at Dover Museum, New London Specialty Care and Sunnybrook. He was an ING alumni and enjoyed working for Duke Crawford when he was the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church. He was a member of the Ella Baker Neighborhood Club which was founded by Grandma Peters’ mother. Gram Peters influenced his love of flowers and he won many blue ribbons and best of show in floral composition at the Louisa County Fair.
He is survived by his wife, Anna of Mt. Pleasant; two sons, Daniel Fullerton of Des Moines and James (Jenn) Fullerton of Chicago; two granddaughters, Miranda Bramble and Ashley Hellweg; three great-grandchildren, Brexton, Baylor and Wrenley; former daughter-in-law Alysia Fullerton; one sister Julia (Eddie) Johnson of New London; sister-in-law Diane Fullerton of Broomfield, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Jon who died April 14, 2026; brother Tom Fullerton; brother-in-law Mike Kelly; and his beloved Mother-in-law Lucille Crockett.
Visitation will begin at noon on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. A Celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 3rd at Calvary Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant, with Dr. David Strope officiating.
A memorial has been established for Dover Museum, New London. According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel, Iowa at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.