Fullerton, T.M.

T.M. Fullerton

Services: Have been held.

Mr. Thomas Marion “T.M.” Fullerton, 80, of Portales, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, at Roosevelt General Hospital in Portales.

He was born on Oct. 27, 1922, in Rogers, to Lucy and Roy Fullerton.

He was raised in and attended schools in Rogers where he was active in basketball and track and field. He attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, where he continued in athletics. In 1942, he entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He returned to Portales upon being discharged in 1945.

He married Joyce Sumrall on Dec. 19, 1946. They moved to Forrest where they farmed until 1951. They then returned to Portales where he owned and operated University Service Station until 1965. Then he worked as a Park Ranger at Oasis State Park until retiring in 1983. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post 3299 and the Forrest Baptist Church. Family members said he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his friends, traveling and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Hollis and Ray Fullerton; and three sisters, Florence Morrison, Maxine Whitaker and May Jean Fullerton.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Dale Fullerton (and wife, Sandi) of Clovis; two daughters, Dixie Salas (Lucio) of Portales and Diane and Jim Dickey of Anton, Texas; four grandchildren: Kelly Sivage, Keri Robinson, Cal Fullerton and Sonya Salas; a brother: Walton Fullerton of Blum, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Revs. Steve Smith and Jim Wilkerson will officiate the services. Honorary pallbearers will be the grandchildren. Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.