Charles M. Fullinwider

Memorial services for Charles M. Fullinwider will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church, Roswell, New Mexico at 10:00 am.

Charles was born on July 20, 1924 in El Dorado, Kansas where he grew up on the family farm and attended a country school through the eighth grade. He graduated from El Dorado High School in 1942 as Valedictorian of his class. His education continued at Sterling College in Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1953. After earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1956 from Pittsburg Theological Seminary, Charles was ordained as a Presbyterian Minister.

In 1962, Charles married Margaret (Margo) Horn in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They enjoyed 49 years together.

Charles served as Pastor of rural Presbyterian churches in Anthony, Conway Springs and Viola, Kansas. He and his family moved to New Mexico in 1966 where he served as Pastor of the Dexter and Hagerman New Mexico Presbyterian Churches. After retiring in 1989, he continued to serve in pulpit supply and committee work throughout Southeastern New Mexico. In May, 1999, he was honored by being named Pastor Emeritus of the Presbyterian Churches of Dexter and Hagerman, NM.

A life-long learner, Charles took an interest in radio as a youth and obtained his amateur radio license in 1957. He later went on to earn and advanced class license and published an article on the subject in QST Magazine. He was a member of the Pecos Valley Amateur Radio Club. For many years, he also enjoyed growing vegetables, especially tomatoes, in a greenhouse; experimenting with hydroponic and other growing methods. Being instilled with a love of music by his mother, he started piano lessons as a young boy and continued through his teens, often riding horseback to the lessons. He always had a book or two close by to read when time permitted. He enjoyed the outdoors and rode his bicycle for exercise in all kinds of weather.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Burgess and Marie Fullinwider; and his brothers Robert D. Fullinwider, Sr. and James L. Fulllinwider.

Charles is survived by his wife Margo of the family home; his sisters-on-laws Georgiana Fullinwider of El Dorado, KS and Phyllis MacKay and her husband Gordon MacKay of Wichita, KS; his son John Fullinwider, John’s wife Susan Fullinwider and grandchildren Paul and Kathleen of Rio Rancho, NM; his daughter Ruth D’Arezzo, her husband Anthony D’Arezzo and grandchildren Mark and Madeline of Roswell, NM; numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Memorial donations may be made to General Assembly Mission Council, Presbyterian Church (USA), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700 or a charity of choice.

Memorials may also be given to the Hopewell Presbyterian Church of Rural Anthony.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com