Obituary of Robert E. Fulkerson
Robert “Bob" Fulkerson, age 76, passed away suddenly at his residence in Joliet on Sunday, February 12, 2023. Bob was born on June 18, 1946 in New Albany, IN to the late Bobby and Wanda Fulkerson. He moved to Illinois at a young age, and began his career as a forklift mechanic. Bob was a proud member of the Mechanic’s Union Local 701 and spent time over the years working at Hyster Forklift and Egan Marine before retiring in 2011. On April 19, 1997, Bob married Virginia Affrunti and the two celebrated nearly 26 years of marriage. He enjoyed working on vintage cars in his free time and had an impressive collection of clocks. He was known for his giving nature, and for being a jack of all trades. But mostly he was a loving husband, father, and brother, and was affectionately known as Papa Bob by his cherished grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Fulkerson; his children, Teressa (Mark) Smithhart, Robert E. (Lisa) Fulkerson, Jerry Lee Fulkerson, Larry Fulkerson, and Stephanie (Brian) House; his grandchildren, Zebulon Hardin, Bradley Fulkerson, Cody Dimmett, Matthew Fulkerson, Nikolet House, and Jaxon House; sisters, Carolyn (Terry) Diehl, Linda Fulkerson, and Wanda Wolfe; brothers-in-law Vincent (the late Margaret) Affrunti, Frank (June) Affrunti, Joseph (Wendy) Affrunti, Ronald (Gina) Affrunti, and Robert Affrunti; sisters-in-law Frances (late Lenny) Cernetich, Carol (Bernie) Higgenbotham, and Sandy (Roger) Bowling; numerous nieces and nephews; loyal friend Kenny Senffner; and his faithful companions Missy and Peaches.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Loren Eskridge; and sister Marie Ann Emmett.
All family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of Bob’s life which will take place on Friday, February 17, 2023 between 3-8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd.(at Essington), Joliet, with a prayer service to be held at 7:00 p.m. As it was Bob’s wish, cremation rites will be accorded following services, and inurnment will take place at a later date.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
