Orin K. (O.K.) Fulton
Passed: January 17, 2020
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Orin K. (O.K.) Fulton
Passed: January 17, 2020
Obituary
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Orin K. (O.K.) Fulton, 87, of Litchfield Park passed away peacefully in Litchfield Park, Arizona, January 17, 2020. He was born on September 14, 1932, to John and Leone (Kartchner) Fulton in Snowflake, Arizona. He was a second-generation native Arizonan. O.K. played basketball at the University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a Bachelors’ Degree in secondary education. He earned a Masters’ Degree in Education at the University of South Dakota and a Masters’ Degree in Education Administration at Arizona State University.
O.K. spent his professional career of 41 years in Arizona High Schools. This included two years at Round Valley High School in Springerville, 36 years at Agua Fria Union High School as a teacher, coach, athletic administrator, assistant principal, and principal, and three years as principal at Wickenburg High School. He was elected to the Governing Board of the AFUHS district in 1996 where he served as a board member until 2012.
O.K. was active in the West Valley community for more than 55 years. He was the “Voice of the Owls” announcing Agua Fria football games for 55 years. He was on the Goodyear Town Council and the Litchfield Park City Council for six years each. He was also active in CAS West. During his teaching career, he also served as foreman for Boswell Farms offering summer jobs to many students on the west side of the valley.
O.K. accomplished much in life. These accomplishments included three state basketball championships and selection to the Arizona and National Coaches Hall of Fame. O.K. was named National Athletic Director of the Year, President of the Arizona School Administrators Association, and the ASA Principal of the Year. One of O.K.’s greatest honors was to present Randall McDaniel at his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.
According to O.K., his passion for teaching and his love of young people allowed him a long career in which he never worked a day in his life. Anyone given the pleasure of knowing O.K. would agree that, with his winning personality, warm smile, repertoire of quotes and corny jokes, he could take command of any room he entered. He found his strength in self-discipline, a strong work ethic and a fierce competitive nature. Throughout O.K.’s many years of community service he instilled in many young men and women the belief that with hard work and determination, regardless of economic or social background, there is no limit to what one could accomplish in a lifetime. However, the most valuable credo he shared was that integrity, a firm handshake and respect of others was the strongest, most enduring quality anyone could possess. However, first and foremost, to “Honor First, Win or Lose.”
O.K. was preceded in death by his father, John; mother, Leone; and brothers, Lafe and Robert. O.K. and his wife Judy have a combined family of six children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. O.K. leaves behind his wife, Judy; daughters, Beth (Mike), Jan (John), Deborah (Tim), Bridget (David) and sons, Mel and Mark (Veronica); grandchildren, Ashley, Damien, Andra, Emily, Madelyn, and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Avery and Lincoln. O.K. is also survived by brothers, Royal and Leo (Odette).
The family of O.K. Fulton would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of the Valley and to Hacienda del Rey for the excellent care and kindness he received during his extended illness, especially to Krys. Angels do walk among us. “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” – Exodus 23:20
A memorial service for O.K. Fulton will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at The Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, AZ with a reception to follow at the O.K. Fulton Gymnasium located at 530 E. Riley Drive, Avondale, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in O.K. Fulton’s name to the Agua Fria Foundation, 14175 W. Indian School Road, Suite B-4, #518, Goodyear, Arizona 85395.
Condolences for the family may be left below.
78 responses to Orin K. (O.K.) Fulton
Amber Hardin says:
January 22, 2020
Please accept my sincere condolences. O.K. was such a valuable member of our community. It is an honor to serve your family.
Joyce Blasdell says:
January 22, 2020
Sending prayers to family???? He will never be forgotten ❤️
Delmer Washington says:
January 22, 2020
Coach Fulton was not only my Basketball Coach but he was also a good friend. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to play for him and he will be truly missed. I sent out my Condolences to the entire family.
Jon Raleigh says:
January 23, 2020
Coach Fulton worked at Agua Fria when my father John attended and graduated in early 60’s, he was in CAS West acting in plays with my dad too. Later on he becam neighbors and friends w my grandfather Lee.. I graduated in 1984, and experienced coach Fulton as a vice principal, he always had my back and saved my Butt on a few occasions… He was one of the most memorable elders in my early life. I loved hearing him announce football games on Friday nights! I can almost hear him now calling out player names etc.. He attended my fathers funeral in 2009, we had a great visit that day.. He attended our sporting events and treated everyone with such equaluality… One Christmas Eve service he saw me and came over to speak to me, my father in law Dick Dawson was next to me and it turns out Mr. Fulton knew him too.. He was an AZ educator and administrator and on the AIA with Coach… I am sure I not the only one who will never forget Coach Fulton and the great man he was…
Ametria Esposito says:
January 22, 2020
My Condolences And Prays To The Family. I will Miss The Times I would see Mr. Fulton and he would tell . Your Tall just like your Brother Alton Davis (9/14/52 -5/13/73 R.I.P)and you Also have those big hands. Mr. Fulton also shares a Birthday. Sept. 14th same as my Brother. Say Hello to My Sister And Mom And Dad. You all are together having a Ball talking. ❤️
Carol street says:
January 22, 2020
Mr OK Fulton was a wonderful administrator ; coach and mentor to all students in his path he touched. I attended the football game in 2005 reunion and he said send me your resume I’ll help get you a teaching job while you take care of your mom. Who does that, Ok Fulton and his wonderful daughter. Ok will never be forgotten for his kind soul to human kind and students god bless his family during this great loss carol street
Mike Wedge says:
January 22, 2020
At Agua Fria, OK Fulton was a legend. He meant so much to the school and many of the students. Even after graduation, almost 40 years ago, I still remember people that had an impact on my life. Mr. Fulton tops the list.
Thanks, Mr. Fulton.
Elsa says:
January 22, 2020
So sorry for your loss.
Sophia E. Johnson says:
January 22, 2020
Judy and family,
May our Lord give you peace during this difficult time. My sincere condolences.