Norman James Fulmer

Click on the tribute wall above to view Norman's video tribute and the tribute by Chaplain Frederick R. Cislo, Jr. Norman (Norm) James Fulmer, age 93, snapped off his final salute on March 18th with family by his bedside in Fredericksburg, VA. Norm was born in Amherstburg, Ontario Canada on May 8, 1926 to Arthur Judson and Norine (Simmons) Fulmer and was the second of seven children. His family moved to the Downriver Region of Michigan soon after and he was raised in the Wyandotte, MI area. Norm was a soldier. He joined the Army in August 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. After WWII he began his engineering training and was certified as a Combat Engineer as well as in Atomic Demolition. In 1951-52 Norm served in the Korean War. He earned the rank of Sergeant Major in May of 1965 and was subsequently one of the first Sergeant Majors to receive the leadership designation of Command Sergeant upon his return from serving in the Vietnam War 1968-69 and during the Tet Offensive. He retired from active duty in October of 1974 after 30 years of proud service to his country. His awards and commendations include The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal w/ 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm, World War II Victory Medal and many other awards and accolades too numerous to list here. Upon the presentation of his Bronze Star awarded for his meritorious service in Vietnam, he was recognized as being ”quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation. His energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States Mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom.” He applied these principles to everything he did. The Command Sergeant Major was a badass. After retirement, Norm took a position to manage the Rod and Gun Clubs of Karlsruhe, Germany and was actually paid to enjoy one of his passions of hunting and game management. He was a low handicap golfer and shot his age more than once. He also bought the clubhouse drinks on 2 separate occasions to celebrate holes in one. He was everyone’s favorite counter guy at Murray’s Auto Parts where every case of oil came with a contagious smile or anecdote. He was active in the Lions Club of Trenton, MI and received many recognitions for his selfless service to the downriver community. He was also a Life Member of Trenton V.F.W. Post 1888. He is survived by his children Keith Fulmer (Colleen) of Centreville, MD, Carol Richards of Tucson, AZ, Karena Edenton (Wayne) of Spotsylvania, VA and Calene Westover (Rob) of Fredericksburg, VA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Joshua DiNapoli, Bryn Westover, Garrett Fulmer, Celia Edenton, William Willingham, Carson Fulmer, Cody Willingham and Champ Westover as well as 4 great-grand children, multiple nieces and nephews and friends to numerous to count. He was predeceased by both parents and his six brothers and sisters, Ed, John, Robert, Claude, Lenore and Anna. He was also predeceased by his wife and the mother of his children, Georgia Frances Fulmer and his second wife Elisabetha Fulmer. He was also predeceased by his loving granddaughter Megan Frances DiNapoli. Godspeed Sergeant Major! Funeral arrangements are pending and are being handled by Martenson’s Funeral Home – Trenton, MI. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to your local hospice. These folks are amazing!