Lawrence M. Fuller

“Larry” was born April 19, 1940, in Casper, WY to John M. (“Jack”) and Ruth (Morgan) Fuller. The family moved to Palisade in 1952. After Graduation from PHS (Palisade High School), Larry attended Mesa Jr. College and then Western State College (Gunnison, CO), where he earned his bachelor's degree in education.

Larry moved to Pueblo, CO, where he taught at Pleasant View Jr. High. In 1967 he returned to the Grand Valley, where he taught at Grand Junction Jr High, and later at Central High School where he taught US History and Consumer Math and was an assistant wrestling coach. It was there that he met the love of his life.

Larry married Martha Alice Boyer on June 15, 1974. They had two beautiful children together: Marla and Michael.

He purchased the original 10+ acre orchard that is now Fuller Orchards, in 1967, from his parents. In 1975 when the fruit crop was late, Larry retired from teaching to become a full-time farmer. He dedicated himself to improving and expanding the orchards. Larry brought the “V” pruning system to Palisade from a fruit grower’s convention in California. He was also the first to paint the trunks of peach trees white to prevent damage.

Larry believed that you could have just as much fun working together with family as you could playing, IF you had the right attitude! He truly loved farming and enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and Palisade football.

The agricultural community was important to Larry. He was a member of the Western Colorado Horticultural Society, where he served as President of the Board of Directors in 1981. He was on the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District Board, retiring after 24 years of service. Larry was also a volunteer fire fighter with the East Orchard Mesa Volunteer Fire Department.

Larry was preceded in death by his sister Ruth Funk and his daughter Marla Fuller. He is survived by his loving wife, Marti, and their son Mike of Palisade, as well as two children from a previous marriage.

Larry Fuller was a mentor and coach to many. His guidance and strong support will be greatly missed. He was and always will be “Bulldog Tough”.

A graveside service will be held at the Palisade Cemetery, August 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Palisade High School Football.