January 15, 1932-June 20, 2026
Rev. Charles W. Fullmer (Retired Elder), age 94, passed away on June 20, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Charles spent his summers at Townline Lake near Lakeview, Michigan, and his winters in Apache Junction, Arizona and Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and lifelong learner whose faith, service, and curiosity guided him throughout his life.
Charles is survived by his wife, Margaret Lee Fullmer; his children, Katherine (Dennis) Green and Karen (Joseph) Sochanek; his granddaughters, Erika Sochanek, Sarah Sochanek, and Jordan (Sean) Ross; his sister, Betty Heckman; his brother-in-law, Donald Lee; and extended family.
Charles answered a call to ministry early in life and served congregations throughout West Michigan for nearly four decades as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. His appointments included Lyon Lake-Marengo, Kalamazoo First, Grand Rapids Valley, Reed City, Ionia First, Grandville, Petoskey, Amble, and Clark Retirement Community. Through his ministry, thoughtful sermons, pastoral care, and steady presence, he touched the lives of countless individuals and families during times of celebration, challenge, and loss. He retired from active ministry in 1997 after a lifetime dedicated to serving others through faith, compassion, and community leadership.
Before entering full-time ministry, Charles served in the United States Army Reserve from 1951 to 1954 while attending college. During his service at Fort Lee, Virginia, he worked as an assistant to the chaplain and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.
Photography and travel were lifelong passions. In retirement, Charles embraced many interests with enthusiasm and determination. He devoted time to golf, painting, woodworking, poetry, cooking, gardening, and photography, always eager to learn a new skill and explore new creative pursuits. His example of lifelong learning inspired those around him.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvin Church, 700 Ethel Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506. A light luncheon will follow the service.
In keeping with Charles’s wishes, he has been cremated. Interment of his ashes will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Lakeview, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Clark Foundation. Condolences may be shared online at Zaagman Memorial Chapel.
Service History: [(RE) D 1957; FE 1959; RE 1997] Lyon Lake, Marengo 1956; Lyon Lake 1957; Kalamazoo: First (Assoc) 1959; Grand Rapids: Valley 1962; Reed City 1966; Ionia: First 1970; Grandville 1977; Petoskey 1986; Chaplain, Clark Retirement Community 3/1/1994; Retired 1997; Amble (RE) 8/1/1999; Return to retirement 10/31/2001
Last Updated on June 24, 2026