Richard Fuller

Dick Fuller of Overland Park, Kansas, was born March 20, 1933, in Kansas City, Kansas, to John M. Fuller and Lila B. Fuller. He passed away on July 16, 2021. He was preceded in death by brother John L. Fuller and sisters Dorothy June Fuller and Virginia Alcorn. He was raised in Argentine, Kansas, and a proud graduate of Argentine High School in 1951. Dick excelled in athletics, making the Greater Kansas City All-Star teams in both football and basketball and honorable mention All-State honors. Dick continued his education at Kansas City Kansas Junior College and Washburn University. His education was interrupted by the Korean War, as he served in the United States Army. In 1955 he enrolled at Baker University where he met the love of his life, Marty Paup. They were married in 1957. He graduated from Baker in 1958 and began his teaching and coaching career in the Turner School District. He attained his master’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1967 and became principal of Highland Junior High School that year. He served at Highland as principal 1967-77. He became principal of Turner High School in 1978 and retired from that position in 1993.

Dick was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Honor Society of Secondary Schools, and elected to the Turner Walk of Fame and past president of the East Kansas League. He served on the board of directors of the Oakshire Homes Association, and he was a member of Valley View United Methodist Church where he served in various positions.

Dick and Marty are the proud parents of son, Wade Fuller (Diane), and daughter, Marla Sellers (Randy). His grandchildren are Miranda Vose, Whitney Parrish (Chris), Britli Cox (Mark) and Colton Fuller. His great-grandchildren are Sophie and Decklan Parrish.

Dick was born, reared and died a Democrat. He was a Liberal by definition (i.e., expressing or following political views or policies that favor civil liberties, democratic reforms and the use of government power to promote social progress). He so delighted to argue his political views with many of his Republican friends.

Dick looked forward to his monthly breakfast with his high school classmates. He was known as a quick wit and could find humor in most any situation. He will be greatly missed!

Funeral services will be Friday, July 23, at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66210. Visitation is at 11 a.m., and the service is at noon.

Suggested Memorials: St. Jude's