Darrel Jackson Fulton

He went home with his Lord and Savior on February 17, 2024. Darrel was born in Birmingham, Alabama and moved with his parents (Jack and Carolyn) and sister (Carol) to Bartow, FL. He was the star quarterback and made the All-American football team. He was in the graduating class of 1961 at Bartow High School. He attended Florida Southern College and was catcher on the baseball team. He met the love of his life, Ann, at Florida Southern College while getting a degree to become a teacher for physical education. Darrel joined the minor league Tigers baseball team, as well as serving in the National Guard. During that time, he married Ann, and they had two children.

He taught physical education and coached football at Crystal Lake Junior High for 35 years! Also, he refereed high school football and volleyball, as well as umpired high school baseball and softball. He also coached his kids and grandkids’ various sports teams. He was an avid Gator fan and took the family with friends to football games. He also loved hunting, fishing, and playing golf with friends. He would spend the summers with family on vacation in South Carolina on the river and enjoyed boating and river life.

He volunteered at church at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland. He drove the Neighborhood Ministries after school bus. Also, he helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity and worked with the Tuesday Tigers ministry to help the community with handy man work. He enjoyed ushering at the 9:30 service handing out bulletins and greeting friends as well as worshiping the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his dad Hoyt “Jack” Fulton and mom Lois Carolyn Fulton. He is remembered by his beloved wife of 56 years, Ann, sister Carol F. Doyen (Gary Mac Doyen), son Lance (Shawna) daughter Kathy, grandchildren Joshua and Shayla. He also is remembered by his nieces and nephews, Thomas Lee (Kelly), Greg Doyen, Richard Doyen, Jennifer Doyen Cooper, and Fran, Arthur, Matthew, Sarah Morrison, as well as his bonus grandkids Hallie, Ethan, Kaeden, and Addison Graham (Eric and Tiffany).

His celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 1pm at First United Methodist Church, on Lake Morton, in Lakeland, FL.