Arthur Thomas “Tom” Fulford, 93, of Shiloh, IL, born August 14, 1930, in Sullivan, IN, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Tom worked hard to provide for his family and was always eager to take on new challenges and opportunities. He taught his children the value of hard work and was very proud of each of them and their accomplishments.
Building and remodeling were a big part of his life. He bought old homes and remodeled them and in 1975 he founded Fulford Construction Inc and Fulford Homes. The company remodeled many homes and built hundreds of new homes and developed several neighborhoods in O’Fallon and the surrounding area.
After his retirement, Tom found a new passion. He became an accomplished woodcarver. He immersed himself in the craft and grew to become a very fine artist. At Silver Dollar City in Branson, Tom worked in the woodcarving shop for many years. He loved all the friends he made along the way.
RVing was another activity that Tom loved. He traveled across the country, spent winters in Texas, and made many cherished RV friends.
Over the years Tom was active in the community and was a current member of the First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, and a past member of the Midwest Woodcarvers Club; the O’Fallon Rotary Club, O’Fallon JC’s, and founding member of the OTHS Band Boosters.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Thomas and Bessie Fulford (nee Clinton); first wife, Virginia Peach; second wife, Joan Fulford (nee Wall); one brother, Donald “Bud” Fulford; and two sisters, Miriam Landis and Mildred McCracken.
Tom is survived by his wife, Adell Walker-Fulford; seven children, Mark (Lisa) Fulford of O’Fallon, IL, Theresa (Sam) Seipp of O’Fallon, IL, Kathleen (Rob) Buehler of O’Fallon, IL, John (Calista) Fulford of Winchester, TN, Larry (Liz) Fulford of O’Fallon, IL, Barbara (Jim) Prokopf of Caseyville, IL, Jane (Mike) Shelton of Puyallup, WA; stepson, John (Jamie) Snapat of Smithton, IL; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved family and friends.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., followed immediately by a memorial service with Rev. Doug Munton officiating. Both will be held at Schildknecht Funeral Home, 301 S. Lincoln Ave., O’Fallon, IL 62269. Private graveside services will be held following the memorial service.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services, https://bchfs.com/, or the First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, IL, https://fbcofallon.org/. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
