Delbert Fullerton

Delbert Dean Fullerton, 90, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died November 4, 2021 at Hilltop Estates.

Delbert Dean Fullerton was born May 23, 1931, the 3rd of four boys, in Cody, NE to Ralph Earl and Anna Marie (Kleinemier) Fullerton.  He spent his early years on a ranch in Bennett County, SD his father and uncle had homesteaded.  As a child he developed a love of horses, dogs, cattle, hunting, and trapping.  These things remained important to him all his life.  His father died at a young age and his mom raised the boys by herself.
Delbert attended school in Cody, NE. He took part in all school activities, his favorite being basketball.  After graduating in 1948, he worked for neighbors, trapped mink and muskrats, and trapped for a local government permit holder in SD.
On May 13, 1952 he was drafted into the United States Marine Corp.  After boot camp, he was transferred to Headquarters 3rd Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, CA, trained as a truck driver for 155 Artillery Co. and Force Troop FMFPAC.  He later trained as a postal clerk and was in charge of the Unit Post Office where he was promoted to Corporal and served until his discharge from active duty on May 12, 1954.  Upon returning home he met his future wife, Barbara Scholtes, who was a school teacher.  They were married Nov 10, 1956 and had two children: Rosanne Lynn on January 21, 1958 and Roger Dean on February 4, 1960.
In 1961, Delbert went into the bee business as an added income.  He had a reputation for having choice honey and sold locally and to Sioux Honey at Sioux City, Iowa where he was member of the Sioux Honey Association.  The bee business was sold in 1979.
He managed Cody Oil Co. until it sold and then was the manager of Stott’s Lumber Yard until he went to work at the Bank of Cody as a teller.  He worked his way up to cashier then to Vice President and Director.  He continued to work until 1984 when the bottom dropped out of land and cattle prices.  The Bank of Cody was sold and Delbert worked for Guardian State Bank until he left to pursue his dream of ranching.
Delbert already had some cattle, horses, and some machinery.  He found a place to lease, bought more cattle and began to live his dream. In 1993, he started having health problems and in 1995, after having heart surgery and a stint, Barb and Delbert sold the cattle, had an auction, and moved back to the house in town where Delbert did day-work and ran pastures for friends and neighbors.  Throughout Delbert’s life, he raised and broke his own horses and some for neighbors.  He gave his last ones to his granddaughter, Kayla, who inherited his love for horses.
Delbert was active in community affairs - he ran the Cody Theater for 4 ½ years to keep it open, was a charter member of the Cody Investment Club, was a member of the Cody American Legion Post 319 for 66 years, was a member of the Honor Guard, served on the cemetery board, was on Hunt’s Chapel boards and was on various other committees.  In 2011, due to failing health, the move was made to Gothenburg to be closer to family.
Delbert was a quiet man with a dry sense of humor and was known for his honesty and integrity. He was a loyal friend and a good neighbor and his love for his family was steadfast.
Delbert leaves to mourn his wife of nearly 65 years, Barbara (Bobbi) Fullerton of Gothenburg, NE; daughter, Rosanne (Harlan) Tryon of Gothenburg, NE; grandchildren, Jessica (Dustin) Nelson of Lincoln, NE, Matt Tryon of Norfolk, VA, Lane (Natalie) Tryon of Omaha, NE, and Kayla (Kale) Burdick of O’Neill, NE; great grandsons, Jack and Alex Nelson, and Pierce and Hayes Burdick; brother, Dale Fullerton of Denver, CO; nieces, nephews, and friends.
Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Anna Fullerton; his son, Roger who was killed in an auto accident in 1979; two brothers, Doyle (Truby) Fullerton and Donald (June) Fullerton; sister-in-law, Margaret Fullerton; niece, Amanda Fullerton, and brothers-in-law Luke Scholtes, Ted Gilliland, and Ken Smith.  And sisters-in-law Freda Scholtes and Glenda Gilliland..

Register book signing will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Sunday, November 14, 2021 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm with the family present.

A memorial service will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Monday, November 15, 2021 at 10:30 am with Pastor Larry Viter and Pastor Bonnie Brock officiating.

Interment will take place at a later date in Cody, NE.

Memorials may be given to the family to be designated at a later date.