Edwin Lamar Fuller

On August 19, 1935, in Doyline, Louisiana, Audrey and Morie Fuller made a gift to the world with the birth of their first child, Edwin Lamar Fuller. Inherent in his soul were courage, integrity, serving others, respect, and loyalty. Given these characteristics, Fuller was well-suited for the role of officer and gentleman. In honor of his military service, we recognize Edwin in this obituary as “Fuller.” 

Baptized as an infant at Doyline’s Kirk Chapel C.M.E. Church, Fuller believed strongly in God’s promises and lived 90 years personifying Galatians’ fruits of the spirit. As an adolescent, he became an apprentice to the men in the congregation and assisted with construction and facility improvement projects. Fuller often spoke about scouring the shell plant grounds searching for discarded nails that he would straighten and clean for making furniture and building coffins. One of the most emotional projects that Fuller, as a small boy, remembers is constructing a miniature casket to bury the remains of his first younger brother, Wenzell. 

Fuller, like many children, was close to his grandparents: Carreacie Ward Smith, Robert Smith, and Will Fuller. His close bond with his grandparents remained solid until God called each one of them home. When Fuller was 10 years old, his parents and siblings moved to Portland, and he remained in the land he loved – Louisiana. He enjoyed the relationships with his many cousins as they attended the segregated Webster High School in Minden, LA. Fuller decided at the start of his junior year that he would give the Pacific Northwest a try. So, he moved to Portland and attended Roosevelt High School with his sister Nellie. At the end of the school year, Fuller returned to Louisiana and reunited with his Webster High School peers and graduated with the Class of 1953. He was proud to be amongst the Mighty Webster Wolves family and often attended class and school reunions. Fuller promised that when his health improved, he would attend the all-school reunion “one more time.” 

Post graduation, Fuller briefly attended American Baptist College in Nashville and worked in the kitchen at the Montgomery Ward department store in Portland. Though it was honorable work, Fuller – who joined Portland’s Bethel A.M.E. Church in 1954, was acquainted with professional African American men knew his life had a different calling. So, he agreed to test for the United States Army.  Fuller passed the admissions test, and in 1955, he exchanged his dishwashing apron for boot camp fatigues with the US Army – a relationship that lasted for more than 30 years. 

Fuller’s military career began in combat in Korea, where he survived a gunshot wound in his leg. That injury did not deter Fuller’s selfless sacrifices, and he became even more confident about his calling. Following the Korean War, Fuller eventually landed in Germany, where his life blossomed exponentially. In Germany, Fuller met his wife, Else Horner, who supported him as a soldier and loved him dearly as his spouse. They had one son, Larry, whom they loved deeply for the 65 years he lived on earth, and beyond. Germany provided the space for Fuller to serve with his cousin, William, host his sister Kathleen, and introduce Curley to life in the army. Curley had a special bond with the Fullers because he was the first Fuller to see Larry and meet Else and her folks. 

Army leaders recognized Fuller’s leadership, and three generals recommended Fuller for an increased rank. In 1978, Fuller earned the rank of Command Sgt. Maj., an achievement that less than one percent of enlisted personnel will accomplish. Approximately eight years later, Fuller retired from the United States Army and returned to Portland to spend time with his parents and other family members. 

In this new civilian life, Fuller earned an associate's degree from Portland Community College, worked for the State of Oregon, and cheered on the Portland Trail Blazers. Fuller enjoyed attending the games with Curley and his brother-in-law, Bugsy. He was proud of the fact that he would sneak bags of peanuts in the arena to share with his brothers – if they bought the coffee. 

Going back to Portland after retiring from the service allowed Fuller to spend quality time with his parents and help provide care for them after their health declined. He also had time to spend with his “pretty nieces” and his nephews. And his family enjoyed him, too. Days before his 90th birthday, family and friends gathered to celebrate his life. Fuller smiled and communicated appreciation during the entire party. A couple of weeks later, he gained his wings. 

Many colleagues and family members will greet Fuller at Heaven’s gates. At the front of the line is his son, Larry; parents; and siblings, Nellie, Wenzell, and Donald. CSM Fuller’s legacy is being carried out by his life partner of nearly 70 years, Else; siblings Ray Fuller, Sr. (Susan) of Las Vegas, NV; Claudia Betts (Johnnie), Curley Fuller, Dorothy Fuller, Lucretia Onick (Vernon Sr.), and Kathleen Fuller-Poe (Lolenzo), all residing in Portland. 

Well done, CSM Fuller. Now rest. 

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