Donovan Eugene (Gene) Fulbright passed away on November, 5, 2021, at the age of 91 in Phoenix, Arizona. Originally from Baca County, Colorado, he and Vera Lois moved to Phoenix to be closer to one of their daughters. Gene greeted life with a smile and loved to make people laugh as he laughed himself. He would be seen most often with a smile on his face, a song in his heart and something to quote from memory, including poems he learned as a child as well as Bible verses.

As a child, Gene enjoyed being on the family farm with his 2 brothers and after High School, he went into the Army and his love of travel was forever fueled as he was stationed in Germany and Hawaii during his service. For those places he couldn’t travel to in his lifetime, he read books, or watched videos about those places and was very well read.

Gene met the love of his life, Vera Lois, at a church service, which was very fitting because both Gene and Vera Lois dedicated their lives to serving the Lord. Gene joked that he married Vera Lois for her money since her kindergarten school teaching salary was a steady income while his farming had its ups and downs. However, he loved farming and the freedom it gave to be his own boss. Together, they had 4 children, Norman, Anita, Karen and Joyce. He loved his kids and grandkids and loved taking them on adventures and trips and playing board games with all. He also could quote poetry and also wrote some of his own poetry.

Gene was talking about leaving a legacy towards the end of his life and his daughters and many others can attest to the fact that his legacy was that he was a great Dad, a great husband and a great lay pastor of a Friends Church, and a Gideon who loved sharing God’s word with other people. He was 1 month shy of being a Gideon for 50 years. He loved being in church, teaching, helping and serving all thoughout his life. He said the verse he tried to live up to during his life was Matthew 6:33.” But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

We can imagine Jesus saying “well done good and faithful servant. I put you in charge of much and you did much for my kingdom” as he welcomed Gene into heaven. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Gideon’s International on Gene’s behalf.