Karl Steven Fulks

Karl Steven Fulks, 77, went home to Heaven to be with his Heavenly Father and Savior on August 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Karl was born on March 17, 1949, in Hamtramck, Michigan, a St. Patrick's Day baby, and as family legend has it, the only baby boy born that day not named Patrick.

He graduated in 1967 from St. Lawrence Catholic School in Michigan.

As a young man, Karl spent time at Detroit's famed Grande Ballroom, listening to live music from up-and-coming musicians. He loved to tell the story of the night he met a young Bob Seger there, walking up, shaking his hand, and introducing himself: "I'm Karl." Bob shook his hand back and said, "Hi, Karl. I'm Bob." It was a story Karl loved to retell every time the family listened to Bob Seger over the years.

Karl retired from Chrysler at age 59, which gave him even more time for the things he loved most. A true outdoorsman, deer hunting was always his favorite, with pheasant and bird hunting a close second. On the water, bass fishing from the boat was his preferred way to spend a day, though he was just as skilled at fly fishing and loved a trip down to Lilly's Landing.

He was equally happy riding the back roads in the truck, music on and windows down, chasing curiosity down whatever road looked interesting, simply to see where it went.

Home was in Nixa, but his heart was at the ranch, a place he loved. Karl was also a self-trained cook who never worked from a recipe. No dish ever came out the same way twice, because he was always tweaking it, making it better every time. He loved to read and could finish a book in one sitting, a love he shared with his daughter, Carly.

Karl was the devoted husband of Kathie for 55 years. He called her his brown-eyed girl. His eyes smiled all the way to his soul when he watched her, and he smiled with his whole body when she looked at him. The family always knew God created them for each other.

Karl is survived by his wife, Kathie; his daughter, Carly, and her husband, Chris (Fina); his son, Erich (Fulks), and his wife, Elaina; his grandchildren, Steven Fina, Kylie, Taylor and Charlie Fulks; and his grandson Ryan, who is no longer waiting, but is with his Papa now.

When he married Kathie, Karl also gained four brothers and three sisters, plus their spouses, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved unconditionally.

Karl coached his son in baseball and his daughter's basketball and volleyball teams, never missing a chance to cheer his kids on.

He loved music deeply, with Bob Seger, the Allman Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, Van Morrison, and the Doors, always close at hand.

More than anything, Karl never met a stranger. To know him for even a moment was to be blessed with his friendship. But to call him Husband, Daddy, and Papa, that was the family's true gift.

We lost a piece of ourselves when Karl went home, but he is with us until we are reunited for eternity. Karl's legacy lives on in all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Karl's name to CoxHealth Foundation to benefit the Hulston Cancer Center. Gifts can be mailed to CoxHealth Foundation, 3525 S. National Ave, Suite 204, Springfield, MO 65807.

Karl's name will be added to the permanent donor board in the lobby, a lasting tribute to the man he was.

Graveside services will be at Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery, Friday, August 28, 2026, at 9:00 AM. A funeral mass will take place Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, at 11:00 AM. Also, a memorial Mass for Karl will be held on September 24, 2026, 10:00 am at St. Lawrence church Utica. 44633 Utica Rd, Utica, MI.