Jewel Cletus Fulton, 86, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024. He was born in Bollinger County at his grandparents' home on Sept. 1, 1937.

Jewel spent his youth running the hills of Mayfield Holler, and as a teenager started working in the log woods, where he met his bride to be, Gearlee Kirkpatrick. They were married on Sept. 3, 1958. Shortly after, he began career with Missouri Department of Transportation as a grader operator, retiring after 32 years.

He began to miss life on the tractor and started to work at Meadow Heights School. When he wasn’t on the tractor, you could always find Jewel spending time with his family. He had a passion for hunting, spending time outdoors and woodworking.

He had a great love for the Lord and was a deacon at Little Whitewater Baptist Church for 49 years.

He is survived by his wife, Gearlee Fulton; son, Jessie (Sonya) Fulton of Patton; daughter, Brenda (Chris) Williams of Jackson; grandchildren, Tara (Andy) Welker, Amie Cook, Kelli (Joe) Buckley and Adam (Halli) Williams; great-grandchildren, Lillian Cook, Makenzie Welker, Laramie Cook, Emme Buckley, Ivy Welker, Peter Williams, Jack Williams and Kennedy Buckley; and siblings, Harold (Margie) Fulton and Glenda (Wayne) Kistner.

Jewel was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Lily Fulton; grandson, Adam Williams; and brother, Ronnie Fulton.

Visitation was held Sunday, July 21, and again Monday morning, July 22, at Little Whitewater Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service, with Brother Don Slatton officiating.

Burial was at Pulliam Cemetery.

Hutchings-Pendergrass Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.