Darrel D. Fultz, 78, of Parsons died at 11:20 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2010, at Elmhaven East nursing home in Parsons, where he had resided the past month.

He was born June 18, 1931, in Parsons to Dwight Campbell and Margaret Louise (Denison) Fultz. He grew up and attended rural Labette County schools and was a 1949 graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont.

On Sept. 23, 1950, he married Beryl D. Wheat in Parsons.

The couple owned and operated Fultz Strawberries for 20 years and enjoyed visiting with their customers, who would come from miles away to pick their own strawberries. Through the years, the Fultzes received great pleasure in opening their home to numerous foster children. Darrel farmed most of his adult life, helped build many homes in the area and joked that he was a jack-of-all-trades.

Always eager to learn, he declared attending college as his major hobby, and at the age of 65 returned to school, where he later earned his master electrician license.

Survivors include a son, Rick Fultz of Cherryvale; two daughters, Cheryl Tullis of rural Parsons and Terri Picolet and her husband, Frank of Tecumseh; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dale Fultz and his wife, Joyce of rural Parsons and Jerry Fultz and his wife, Thelma, of rural Parsons; and a sister, Lou Jane Moore and her husband, Dale, of Camdenton, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beryl D. Fultz, on Nov. 3, 2006.

Following cremation, a celebration of life memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Center Bethel Union Church.

Memorials are suggested to Parsons Community Health Clinic and may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, 405 Main, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.