Charles R. Fulkerson

Charles Ray Fulkerson, 73, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully on Saturday September 23, 2023 at his home in Clarkson Valley, Missouri.

He was known to his family and many friends as "Chuck" and was brilliant, funny and loving. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his adoring wife and caregiver of many years, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Chuck is survived by his wife Cheryl (Bertolino) Fulkerson, son Max Fulkerson (Sarah Panken), granddaughter Maewynn Fulkerson, daughter Julie Thompson (Lance), granddaughter Mackenzie Thompson Kelly (Ethan), great granddaughters Brynlee and Adeline Pedersen, granddaughter Alexis Thompson Madsen (Braydon), great granddaughter Arabella Madsen, son Jeff Palmer (Teresa), grandchildren Joseph, Madeline and Emma Palmer, sister Mary Ann (Fulkerson) Corbin (David), nephew Rick Tollefsrud and brother Robert Fulkerson (Jody), niece Jenny (Fulkerson) Brockington, nephews Doug and David Fulkerson. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents Mary Frances (Henkey) Fulkerson and Albert Ray Fulkerson.

Chuck was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on February 15, 1950 and attended Hazelwood High School and later the University of Missouri - Columbia, earning Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering. Chuck was a very gifted engineer and computer programmer.

After college, Chuck worked initially for McDonnell Douglas but was drawn to small, innovative startup companies. He left McDonnell Douglas to work for a new company, Microtel that was building an automated system for telephone operator monitoring.

At Microtel, Chuck met and worked with James Pearson. Chuck and Jim later left Microtel and started their own company, Citation Computer Systems. Citation was a brilliant innovation in its automation of the workflow of clinical laboratories using the then new microcomputer workstations and communicating directly with a wide range of clinical analysis machines. When Citation entered the market, Chuck and Jim produced efficient, lower cost solutions for a task that had previously only been done by much larger companies using much more expensive main frame computing systems.

Chuck and Cheryl were avid movie fans regularly attending movie date nights. He loved playing golf and camping and fishing trips with the guys. He was also an avid woodworker, a passion he found later in life. He loved to read, especially mysteries, espionage, and legal thrillers. Figuring things out and solving problems lit his spark. Chuck would become competitive in a game, whether bowling, cards, trivia, or whatever. Chuck played to win, but he never compromised on the rules. He had a strong sense of right and wrong, a person who valued integrity and character. Twenty-eight years ago, Chuck was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This terrible progressive disease eventually robbed him of his health and mobility during his remaining years. Cheryl lovingly cared for Chuck throughout his long illness, allowing him to remain at home for as long as possible. Chuck's favorite place to be was at home with Cheryl.

The family wishes to thank St. Luke's Hospice, and Francine of ComForCare Home Care, who offered their gentle care and protection during his final days.

They also express great appreciation to neighbors, Holly and Glen Mathis and Ken and Jane Grams who helped Chuck and Cheryl in so many ways during his last few years. He was so blessed.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, October 21st, at Newcomer Funeral Home, West County Chapel, located at 2211 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017. Friends and relatives may gather beginning at 2pm, with service at 2:30 pm.

Chuck's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.