William L. Fullerton

William L. Fullerton, 93, passed away Friday, November 1st, at Providence Place Retirement Community, Pottsville, where he had been a resident.

Born in Schuylkill Haven on May 2, 1926, he was a son of the late Luther & Alice (Sterner) Fullerton.

At age 7, Bill was the victim of a fireworks accident resulting in a severe eye injury. Despite it being 1933, he was the recipient of a prosthetic eye in a then-experimental surgery.

Later in life, he attempted to enlist in the United States Army, but was not accepted because of his eye. After his stepfather and the local draft board chairman pulled some strings, he was able to enlist and served for two years during the Korean Conflict and for 3 years in the United States Army Reserve.

He was always tinkering with things, which led to his career as a mechanic at Argo Mills from where he retired. During his over 30 years of retirement Bill enjoyed hiking and riding his bicycle. In fact, for several years in a row in his seventies, he rode his bicycle over 2,000 miles annually.

He loved his wife, Jean (Knarr) Fullerton who preceded him in death, more than anything. They enjoyed traveling throughout New England. Bill had an affinity for Boston and especially the Boston Red Sox, being a fan since the early 1940s. He also was an avid New England Patriots fan.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill is also preceded in death by his daughter, Jane Mengle, and step-father, Rufus Yoder.

He is survived by son-in-law, Robert Mengle, Orwigsburg, grandson, Scott Mengle, & wife, Donna, Exton, and sister, Shirley Young, Pine Grove.

A graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 11 a.m. Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA, on November 12th.

At the family's request, donations in Bill's memory may be sent to Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901 or at www.hillsidespca.com

Bill was loved by his family and all who he came in contact with. He was the most youthful 93-year-old you could meet.