Longtime Cottonwood Heights civic leader dies

Ron Fullmer, a longtime Cottonwood Heights civic leader who was instrumental in the city's incorporation efforts, died Saturday after a long illness, his family said.

Fullmer, 78, spent much of his life devoted to Cottonwood Heights and the state of Utah, his wife, Janet Ann Fullmer said.

He served two terms in the Utah legislature in the 1980s. He came up with the idea of the city's annual Butlerville Days celebration and stepped in to chair the first one, Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore said.

And even as his health declined, he continued to attend city meetings whenever he was able.

"We joked that Ron was our fifth councilman," Cullimore said. "He would hardly miss a city council meeting. He was very proactive. He was the example of how one citizen can make a big difference [for his community]."

Fullmer's love of the community is one thing that Janet Fullmer said sticks out in her mind.

"He was very caring," Janet Fullmer said. "Very involved with his community no matter what. He loved Cottonwood Heights. He's done a lot for the community. He loved it."

A devoted husband and father, Fullmer was born in Salt Lake City. A graduate of East High School, he served in the Army as a military police officer, at one point even protecting Dwight D. Eisenhower, Janet Fullmer said. He obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of Utah and his masters at Brigham Young University.

"He was a true Ute fan," Janet Fullmer said. "He wore red as often as possible."

In addition to his wife of 52 years, Fullmer is survived by three sons and four grandchildren.

Funeral services are planned for Friday at noon at the Butler 18th Ward, 6634 S. Greenfield Way (1920 East). A viewing will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., also at the ward.

jstecklein@sltrib.com

Twitter: @sltribjanelle