Frederick Gene Fulk, 77 years of age, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

Fred was born on April 8, 1947, in Clarinda, IA, to Jack and Emogene Sims Fulk. Fred was one of three children born to Jack and Emogene. His younger brother Rocky, who preceded him in death, and his surviving younger sister Jackie Sander, who currently resides in Anita, IA.

Fred graduated from Anita High School, Class of 1966. In high school Fred lettered in Football, Wrestling, and Track. After high school Fred continued what would be his life-long career, truck driving. On the road he was known on the radio as "Short Wheelbase" and it didn't matter what state he was in, or what truck stop he stopped at, you could guarantee Fred would know someone there by their first name and sit and have a conversation over coffee. Fred never knew a stranger. He was short in stature but had the heart and personality of a giant. If you needed it, and he had it, Fred would give it to you.

In 1969, Fred wandered into the old Rocket Truck Stop, down by the stockyards, where he met a waitress named Ethel Merritt. His friend bet him a bottle of whiskey that he could not get a date with Ethel, and he not only won that bet he married Ethel on September 6, 1969. Fred and Ethel raised two children, a son, Brent Fortune (Kelley Matthews), of Mound City, MO, and daughter, Teri Amos (Troy Fender) of St. Joseph.

Fred enjoyed riding his motorcycle, making things out of steel, going to car shows and the race track, and attending the annual Anita Steak Fry in his home town of Anita, IA, but more importantly, Fred loved being able to spend time with his grandchildren, Dylan Amos, Tyler (Sara) Fortune, and Traci (Kyle) Grove of St. Joseph, and his great grandchildren, Casen Fortune, Laken Fortune, Boden Fortune, Rumor Grove, Griffin Grove, and Charlee Grove.

Nieces and nephews Chris (Tim) Wahlert, Doug (Amber) Pankonen, Alice (Ryan) Ray, Kelly (Nick) Karns, Lindsay Sander (his favorite), Elizabeth Sander (his 2nd favorite), in-laws Jim Gerstner, Jackie Merritt, and Codi Merritt, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and his loyal dog "Mac", and too many friends to mention. Fred has owned many trucks over the years, but his favorite, by far, would be the most recent, his 1985 Kenworth K-100 cabover, which will be leading the convoy of trucks to his final resting place.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Rocky, Brothers-in-law, Dick Merritt, Bob Merritt and Ronnie Merritt and Sisters-in-law, Sandi Gerstner and Francie Brumback.

Memorials go to the Anita, IA Sesquicentennial 2025 Celebration in care of Jackie Sander, P.O. Box 424, Anita, IA 50020.

Per Fred's request, friends and family are invited to Adam's Bar and Grill, 1612 Commercial St. in St. Joseph, MO following the service for a luncheon.

Funeral Service; 2 PM Monday, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment; Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2-4 PM on Sunday also at our Chapel.