David Vance Fulton

David Vance Fulton died in Port St. Lucie, Florida on Tuesday, February 18, at the age of 88. Vance was born April 20, 1925, to the family of Homer Riley and Lily Marcella Fulton. Vance had 3 brothers, Ceylon James, Homer John, and Maynard Neal, who have preceded him in death. He leaves his one sister, Mary Louise Luzader and her husband, Jerry, of Ocala, Florida, to cherish his memory. Vance was married to Mary H. Fulton for 63 years until the time of her death in December 2010. Mary’s brother, Dr. Weir Horswill and his wife Jane, also survive. His three children, Nancy (Bob) DeNovo, Mark (Laura) Fulton, and Kathryn (Breese) Johnson, mourn his passing. Vance welcomed six adoring grandchildren into his family : Robert DeNovo III (Jamie), Kathryn DeNovo Grant (Jacob), Will C. Johnson (Rachel), Ashlee Fulton Beltranena (Jeffrey), Marshall Fulton, and Matthew F. Johnson (Megan). Four great-grandchildren were also held and kissed by Vance: Robert “Charlie” DeNovo IV, Sophia Beltranena, Carson Grant, and Maclaren Eve DeNovo.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Vance went to work for the Pure Oil Company, which later became Union Oil, then Chevron Oil. He worked for this company his entire professional life in Toledo, Ohio, Chicago, Illinois, and Beaumont, Texas. A career highlight was his assignment as project engineer for the construction of the Union Oil Chicago refinery in the early 1970’s. Vance was a deacon and elder at Christ Presbyterian Church in Toledo, Ohio. He considered his most important role, however, to be that of husband and father, and performed that role with love, devotion, kindness, and integrity.

Seeking sunshine and fishing opportunities, Vance and Mary relocated from Palos Park, Illinois to Port St. Lucie, Florida after retirement. They enjoyed countless hours boating, ishing, socializing with family and friends, and relaxing. For many years, they returned to Michigan during the summer to again spend time with family and friends and engage in the sport of fishing.

Vance was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Stuart, Florida and the Saints and Sinners Yacht Club. His family wishes to thank the individuals in both of these organizations for their support and friendship during his last years. He treasured your companionship. The family also wishes to recognize and thank Jagoda Rawa, his caregiver during the last one and one-half years. Because of her compassion, hard work, and love he was able to remain in his own home until his death. The family will be forever grateful to Jagoda for making this possible. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Stuart, 1715 NW Pine Lake Drive, Stuart, Fl. 34994.