Thadious Hampton Fuller

Thadious “Thad” Hampton Fuller a longtime resident of Okmulgee passed away on Friday, April 20, 2012 at the age of 87. Thad was born September 7, 1924 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Clyde Roy and Faye (Hargrove) Fuller. Thad was raised in Okmulgee and attended school in Okmulgee. In 1942, Thad was called to serve in World War II. He left high school during his senior year drafted into the United States Navy. After serving in the Pacific during World War II, he was released and allowed to finish high school and graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1947. During his time home after the war he married, Nita Nunn of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Thad resumed his Navy career and was sent to Stanford University where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He spent his Navy career at various posts all over the world while continuing his education and teaching new recruits electrical engineering for naval ships. Thad also served in Korea and Vietnam. In 1964, he was one of only a few that was awarded and promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer. After 30 years of dedicated service to our country, Thad retired from the U. S. Navy. He and his wife moved back to Okmulgee where they purchased rental properties and Thad opened a television repair shop. Thad remained self-employed throughout his retirement years until his health would not allow him to continue. After his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Thad dedicated his life to the betterment of fellow veterans by spending countless hours serving veterans through his volunteer efforts. Thad volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services (VAVS), Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. He accumulated over 5200 hours of volunteer service in 24 years to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Thad was a lifetime member of the local VFW Post 1189 and the local Elks Lodge No. 1822 where he dedicated countless years of service. While serving at the Elks Lodge he was honored with the “Thad Fuller Award”. This award is presented each year to an individual who has shown dedicated service to the Veterans program. Thad was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Fay Fuller, brothers, Eugene, Clyde Jr, Buddy, Charles, and his first wife Nita Fuller. He is survived by his wife, Helen Fuller, of the home, stepsons David Morrow and wife Debbie of Sand Springs, Mike Trammell and wife Genie of Henryetta, Grandchildren Daniel Morrow, Dustin Morrow, Derek Morrow and Amanda Trammell, Great-grandchildren Ellie, Molly and Mila Morrow and several nieces and nephews. A private memorial service was held in his honor on Monday, April 23, 2012. After cremation, Thad will receive a United States Naval burial at sea in Honolulu, Hawaii. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to veteran organizations or a local charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Shurden-Jackson Funeral Home in Okmulgee. Friends may send their condolences to www.shurdenjackson.com