Our Hero & Champion

On January 28th 2012, the Fullmer family and community lost a really great man. Chet's uncle, Don Fullmer, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.

He had been ill for a few months due to a form leukemia that he had for 15 years. The doctors said he would most likely not make it to Thanksgiving, but true to his nature he fought to be here until the end of January.

What a wonderful man he was! Always smiling and giving out hugs and kisses. Always a "hi honey, how are you doing?" when I would see him. Chet and I were so fortunate to buy a home just down the street from his parents and Aunt and Uncle, (Don and Nedra) which put us in the same ward, as well as all of the boxing events that we got to go to and spend time with him. He was an incredible man and left behind and even more incredible legacy.

Don, along with is brothers, Gene & Jay, were professional boxers and through their careers put the city of West Jordan on the map in the state of Utah.


When their careers were over they continued to live the boxing life through training other young boxers out of their gym, Fullmer Brother's Boxing Club, now located in South Jordan. I am so thankful for all of the memories and time we shared with him at so many bouts over the years and even trips to the National Golden Gloves tournament and Boxing Hall of Fame. I am really going to miss sitting next to him at all of the fights both local and away.

When Cash was born we were debating on his middle name and who to name him after out of Chet's uncles, Don & Gene. Chet really wanted to go with Don because of how close he is to him as well as the great personable personality he had. So, Cash Don it became. I am so glad now that we decided to name him after Uncle Don. A couple of days before Uncle Don passed, we took Cash up there to see him and have his picture taken with his namesake. To our surprise, Uncle Don was sitting up in his chair, alert, talking, smiling... ( the night before, we visited and he was not looking good at all. We thought he would go that night.) Uncle Don was even giving Cashy "knuckles" and telling him to punch his fist. We were able to get some great pictures of the two of them!

It was a very tough loss to take. Not only because we lost a great man, but because it also became an end of an era. A legacy of three brothers still living, still signing miniature boxing gloves, shirts and pictures. Now, it is only two. How very different every boxing match, every trip to Nationals, every golf tournament will be now.

As expected the line for the viewing was 3 hours long. People lined up forever to pay their respects. The flowers that were sent were numerous in number and very creative and beautiful. Some in the shape of a boxing glove or having boxing gloves in them.



The funeral service was a wonderful tribute to him. All of his sons spoke and their was laughter among tears and the Stake Center looked as if it was Stake Conference. It was packed all the way to the back. The graveside service was very touching. Uncle Don was a fireman and at both viewings there were officers standing guard by the casket. Every 30 minutes they would switch off with a really cool ceremony where they would pass the ax to each other. At the graveside service they folded the flag from the casket and presented it to Aunt Nedra.



Chet was given the honor of presenting the last 10 count for Uncle Don. Boy, was that tough!!!



After the 10 count, family members placed red roses on his casket.



We love you Uncle Don. Words cannot describe how much you will be missed! Thank you for your example, your love and the legacy you left behind. We will wear the Fullmer name with pride. You are our hero and forever our Champion!