It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Kenneth Dale Fuller of Emporia, KS — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
These words are offered in his memory — small, but heartfelt.
Kenneth held deeply to the Presbyterian faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The traditions Kenneth loved will continue to hold those he loved.
Kenneth Dale Fuller, 97, passed away peacefully at home on the family farm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.Kenneth was born northwest of Allen, Kansas, on July 6, 1928, to John Simpson Fuller and Elma Marjorie White. He grew up in the Allen area and built a life centered on family, hard work, and the land.For 33 years, Kenneth worked as a rural letter carrier for the United States Postal Service while also being a full-time farmer. He raised hogs and cattle, cared for his land, and became a trusted local source of quality hay and firewood. He was known by many in the community for his integrity, generosity and steady work ethic. Kenneth carried that work ethic well into his later years, happily baling hay with his grandsons even at the age of 91.On April 4, 1954, Kenneth married Anita Carlene Munson at the Americus Presbyterian Church. Following their marriage, they made their home at Elm Croft Farm just north of Emporia, where they lived for the rest of their 72 years together and built a family rooted in love and perseverance.Kenneth and Carlene raised two sons, Gail Eugene Fuller and Gary Dean Fuller. Kenneth was preceded in death by his son, Gary Dean Fuller, who passed away in a tragic farming accident August 25, 2014.He is survived by his beloved wife, Carlene Fuller; his son, Gail Eugene (Lynnette Miller) Fuller; and his daughter-in-law, Lisa Fuller. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Colby Fuller of Seattle, Washington, Kelsey (Justin) Keith of Allen, Lane (Shelby) Fuller of Emporia, and Logan (Iva) Fuller of Emporia; and by his great-grandchildren, Bodie Keith, Landon Fuller, Stella Fuller, and Bennett Fuller.Kenneth was known to many as “Grandpa Fuller.” He was a great hugger, always ready with a warm embrace, and he never failed to make time for a coffee break in town, where he visited with friends and neighbors and kept up with the goings-on of the community. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his devotion to his family, and the life he built on the farm he loved.Family will receive neighbors and friends for a visitation on Wednesday May 6, 2026, from 5:00-7:00PM at the Anderson Building, Lyon County Fair Grounds in Emporia. A memorial service will be held on Thursday May 7, 2026, at 3:00PM with a celebration of life immediately following until 8:00PM, also at the Anderson Building. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at the Americus Cemetery. The family requests no flowers with donations to organizations that where very close to Kenneth’s heart. Contributions may be made to the Gary Fuller Memorial or the North Lyon County Youth Association (NLCYA) and sent to Roberts-Blue-Barnett, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.
