Joe Ray Fulk

Joe Ray Fulk, 63, Riley, passed away at 9:17 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Union Hospital, Terre Haute.

Born August 13, 1945 in Vigo County, Indiana he was the son of Amos R. and Iva Edna "Granny" Wilson Fulk. On May 3, 1969, he was married to Karen Curtis, and she survives.

Joe was a veteran of the United States Army Infantry. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for his meritorious military service in Vietnam. He was a proud member of the Riley American Legion, Post # 324 and the VFW, Post #972.

Joe retired from the Indianapolis Star and had also worked at the Tribune Star. He was a founding member of the Riley Recreation League. An avid sport fan, Joe was known for his love of the Indiana University Hoosiers Basketball Team, "Go Hoosiers!"

Other survivors include his children Scott Fulk, Riley; Cliff Fulk and wife Charlotte, Riley; and T.J. Fulk and wife Rachel, Indianapolis; his grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Helen Elizabeth Fulk, Katlyn Eileen Fulk, and Ely Clay Fulk; two sisters, Virginia Joan Fulk, Terre Haute; and Edna R. Fulk, Muncie; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Fulk and Georgia Fulk, both of Riley; two brothers-in-law, Hal W. McClain, Denver and Stuart Curtis and wife Jane, Santa Claus; mother-in-law, Marcia Curtis, Santa Claus; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ralph L. and William "Bill" A. Fulk; and one sister, Nancy Kay McClain.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Riley Chapel, Mattox-Fox Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Lee officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Riley. The family would like to invite friends and family to a reception honoring Joe's life at the Riley American Legion, following the burial.

Friends are invited to call from 3-8:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Riley Recreational League.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana has been entrusted with arrangements. www.mcclainfh.com