Maynard Earl Fullington

March 13, 1934 - January 17, 2017

Maynard Fullington, 82, of Palmer and Central City died on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2017, at the Central City Care Center. Celebration of Life services will be held Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Central City United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Burial will be at a later date in the Bureau Cemetery by Pierce Chapel near Clarks. Visitation will be Friday, February 24, 2017, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Palmer United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Maynard Earl Fullington was born March 13, 1934, in Central City, Nebraska, the oldest of four children, and only son of Earl Kenneth and Marian Kathryn (Belle) Fullington. He lived his entire life in Merrick County, except for the time he was in the military service. Growing up with his family in rural Merrick County, he attended one-room country schools through the eighth grade and graduated from Central City High School in1952. On January 22, 1956, Maynard was united in marriage to Lois Nadine Vergo by the Rev. Walter E. Neth at the Pierce Chapel Methodist Church. He was the proud and beloved father of Sherri Lynn Fullington. As he grew up, Maynard helped with the farm work; as a young man he worked at West Overland Produce Company in Central City. In July 1956 Maynard was drafted into the U.S. Army, being stationed at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, the Combat Engineer’s Center for the U.S. Army. At Ft. Belvoir he organized and set up the system for the motor pool. He was honorably discharged in July 1958. After returning to Central City in 1958, Maynard found employment as parts manager, later to become equipment salesman, for Palmer Oil, the IH dealer in Palmer, employed by William Lautenschlager. They purchased their first home at 1105 15th Avenue. In May of 1968, they sold the house in Central City and moved to the old Bill Semple place east of Palmer, which they had purchased from John and Olive Place in 1967. The Fechtner place was purchased in 1970, and was where the family, themselves, installed one of the first successful center pivot irrigation systems in this area. The implement business grew as they acquired the basis for their business, the dealership of the innovative Lindsay Zimmatic center pivot systems. In 1972, when Mr. Laughtenschlager retired, the Fullingtons purchased the business and changed the name to Palmer Implement and Irrigation, constructing a new building at Zurich Street and 64A Spur, in Palmer to house the business. Maynard worked long days, as he sold, set-up and serviced the pivots. During these years he enjoyed working with, and providing job opportunities to, many young people from the area. The business was sold in 1976 to Bill and Donna Kucera. In 1977, before Maynard’s retirement they built a home on the farm where they lived. He was a member of the Palmer United Methodist Church. In the 1960s, Maynard was a member of the Central City JayCees, during this time the organization achieved “Blue Chip” status. Serving the community on the Palmer Rural Fire Department and as an EMT was considered a privilege by Maynard. After retiring from business, Maynard spent his years managing farm and business interests, staying busy taking care of the house and yard, and developing talents for gardening, processing foods, and cooking and baking all their bread. Maynard and Lois enjoyed ballroom dancing, music, birding, reading, genealogy, and summers at their cabin at Lake McConaughy, fishing, and boating, and the good life of Nebraska; especially the weeks each summer when they were joined by their grandchildren. They traveled around the United States, including two months in Alaska, and a trip to Australia. These trips were often to visit family and work on genealogy. After suffering a stroke in September 2010, Maynard worked hard, with Lois by his side, to retain his strength and make positive strides. In March 2011 he moved to the Central City Care Center. At the center he received loving care and made numerous friends among the staff and residents. During the last few years he had the opportunity to participate in the Equine Therapeutic Riding program; for a “country boy” the opportunity was special. Survivors include his wife of over 60 years, Lois of Central City; daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Scott Moore of Humble, Texas; grandchildren and spouses, Keith and Jessica Moore, of Blauvelt, New York, and Kristin and Mark Delaney of Brooklyn, New York; great-grandson, Dean Moore of Blauvelt, New York; sister and brothers-in-law, Nancy and Dr. C. Richard Johnson of Central City, and John D. O’Meara of Seattle, Washington; dear friends, Terry and Nancy Blauhorn of Palmer; many nephews and nieces; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Kathryn O’Meara and Dorla Brooks. Memorials are suggested to the Palmer Endowment Fund or the Merrick County Museum Building Fund.