Jonas L Fultz

Mt. Morris, IL; Jonas L. Fultz, age 78, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus and eternal life on Monday January 14, 2013 in OSF St. Anthony Hospital, Rockford, IL after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Jonas was born in a coal mining camp in the Cumberland Mountain community of Insull, KY on December 17, 1934, the son of Monroe & Phoebe (Wilder) Fultz. He moved to Fairborn, OH when he was 14 years old. Jonas graduated from Fairborn Baker High School in 1954 where he played football during his high school years and developed his passion for auto repair. He attended Walters State University, Morristown, TN and studied Business Administration and Management. Jonas married Joyce A Shewsbury in 1955 in Indiana, she preceded him in death. Jonas married Linda McNeil on December 30, 1978 in Fairborn, OH. His career spanned 39 years in the rotogravure printing industry, moving into supervision after completion of training programs and worked for printing companies in Dayton and Springfield Ohio, then moved to American Greetings Plus Mark in Greeneville, TN and finally he worked for Quebecor Printing Company in Mt. Morris, IL retiring in 1993. He then spent 6 years with Kable News Company, Mt. Morris, IL retiring in 1999. During this time he continued to pursue his love of engine and transmission building and auto repair. He mentored many friends over the years in that skill. Jonas was an avid Nascar fan, and was also passionate about restoring and showing classic vehicles. He was an accomplished coordinator/promoter of classic car shows in the Ogle County, IL area. Jonas was an EMT for the Mt. Morris Fire Department for several years in the 90's. He was a member of the Samuel H. Davis Lodge #96, Mt. Morris, a 32 degree member of the Freeport Consistory, Freeport, IL and member of the Tebela Shrine Temple, Rockford, IL. Jonas ran a drag car for 15 years in NHRA moving into round track racing in ASA and ARCA circuits. Jonas is survived by his wife; Linda Fultz, Mt. Morris, IL. 2 Daughters: Joan M. (Don) Strouth, Fairborn, OH and Ginger S. (Bill) Johnson, San Antonio, TX. Son: Jonas F. Fultz, Rockford, IL. 6 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren. Uncle: James Joe Wilder, Overland Park, KS and Aunt: Elizabeth Wilder Green, Pineville, KY. Numerous Nieces and Nephews. Jonas is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife. Jonas continuously sought ways to help others and wished to continue that practice by donating his body to the NIU Medical Study. Memorial services will be held January 19, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. in the Mt. Morris Evangelical Free Church with Rev. Bruce McKanna and Rev. Herman Brown officiating. Fellowship time and a meal will be provided at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request you consider memorial contributions to Samuel H. Davis Lodge #96 and/or Let Freedom Ring, Mt. Morris, IL.