Keith W Fullmer

If you’re reading this, then Keith Fullmer is dead, struck down in his prime!

Keith Willard Fullmer, 85, passed away on July 14^th, 2026, in Payson, Utah, after a long standoff with cancer. It may have taken him, but it never beat him.

Keith was born to Tuck and Naomi Hatch Fullmer on August 22, 1940, in Circleville, Utah, or “God’s country,” as he always called it. He and his brother Rick later bought property there together, and despite traveling the world extensively, Circleville remained one of his favorite places to vacation.

In 1959, Keith joined the Navy to “see the world,” and he did. He first served aboard the USS Princeton before being selected to train in Hawaii as part of one of the Navy’s smallest and most selective nuclear weapons programs, where he became a Nuclear Weaponsman. His class had just seven graduates, a reflection of the trust and precision the role required. Even though much of what he learned can now be found on Wikipedia, he never broke the oath of secrecy he took that day. Duty and honesty were not just ideals to him; they were how he lived.

In 1966, he married Beverly Mecham Fullmer, beginning a partnership that defined the rest of his life. His devotion to her was steady and unwavering. They cared for each other through the good and the bad, and when he was diagnosed with cancer, his focus never wavered. He wanted to stay, and to take care of her, for as long as possible. After the early loss of Beverly’s father in 1972, Keith and Beverly welcomed her mother into their home, where she lived as part of the family for 31 years. Keith loved her as his own and was a steady presence for Beverly’s younger sisters, offering help, guidance, and support whenever it was needed.

He worked for over 25 years at Garrett Freightliners. When the company shut down, he still had some years left to earn his full pension, so as always, he did what was needed, working wherever he could with Consolidated Freight and Yellow Freight before finishing his final years at North West Freight. It was not always easy or convenient, but he saw it through. After retiring, he and Beverly traveled the world, visiting many countries, taking many cruises, and eventually setting foot on all seven continents, including Antarctica.

At his core, Keith was someone who served others. He would never have described himself this way, but many considered him one of the most Christlike men they knew, not because of what he said, but because of how he lived. He lived quietly, consistently, and without expecting anything in return. He believed in working hard, helping others, and doing what was right simply because it needed to be done. He became whatever the situation required; a handyman, caregiver, cook, plumber, electrician, or carpenter, for more people than we could list. Summers were spent in his garden, canning and bottling fruits and vegetables, much of which he gave away. Raised on a farm, he never really left it.

He did not spend much time on hobbies, but he did not need to. His family was the thing he loved the most. He showed his love in countless ways, from everyday moments to planning for their futures in ways only he could imagine. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him more joy than most people experience in a lifetime. They were his favorite topic of conversation. He often said that grandchildren are a reward from God for not killing your own children, even when you wanted to.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tuck Fullmer; his mother, Naomi Hatch Fullmer; his stepmother, Maude Fullmer; his brother, Rick Fullmer; and his dear friends Steve White, Vard White, Fred White, Ladd White, and Shannon White, who were like brothers to him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly; his daughter, Cindie (Troy) Gasser, and their children, Trevor (Sarah) Gasser, Taylor (Colin) Jensen, Gracie (Brock) Sorenson, Hannah, and Hope; his son, Curt (Michelle) Fullmer, and their children, Emma, Ben, and Abby; his great-grandchildren, Thomas and Lucy Gasser; his brother, Mike (Connie) Fullmer; his sisters, Constance (Wesley) Huntsman and Mary Kay Outzen; his sisters-in-law, Margaret (Rex) Walkman and Nancy Fullmer, widow of his late brother Rick Fullmer; his nephew, Vern (Marla) Chugg; and many other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He is also survived by his bonus sister, Marcille Gilley, and his bonus brother, Hap (Bonnie) White. Their families shared a lifetime of friendship, laughter, and love. They held a special place in Keith's heart.

Keith's family always extended beyond blood. This included his "first" grandson, Zach (Ashley) Strottner, and his honorary sons, Phil (Julie) Dickson and Ron (Amber) Lalanne.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and dedicated staff of the Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson for the exceptional care, kindness, and respect they showed Dad throughout his time there. He often spoke of how much he appreciated each of you, and your friendship and support meant more to him than words can express. The family also extends a special thank you to Heidi Lafferty of Bristol Hospice for her extraordinary compassion, unwavering support, and exceptional care. She went above and beyond in caring for Dad and in keeping our family informed every step of the way. We will always be grateful for the comfort, dignity, and kindness shown to him and to all of us.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 23, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5775 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Friends and family are also invited to attend a viewing on Wednesday, July 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church listed above.

Graveside services will follow the funeral at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84084. Services will be live-streamed and may be viewed by clicking on the tab above titled "Watch Services". Funeral Directors: Larkin Mortuary.