Irving William Fulker, age 86 of Ludington passed away on Saturday July 9, 2016 at home.

He was born on June 5, 1930 in Ludington, son of the late Irving R. and Mildred L. (Huber) Fulker. Irving attended Ludington High School, and graduated with the class of 1948. Irving enlisted with the United States Army on January 3, 1949, serving until his honorable discharge on December 23, 1955. Irving married Mary Joan Campeau on November 28, 1953.

Irving worked at the C & O Railroad for 15 years as a fireman. He also worked as a heavy equipment operator for Dow Chemical for 10 years. Irving and his wife Mary later purchased a grocery store in Ludington. Together they were the owners and operators of Irv’s Market. Irving also worked as a chef at the Holiday Inn/Ramada Inn for 20 years. After retiring at age 62, Irving then went on to work as a chef on the SS Badger and the Tug Barge Dauntless here in Ludington.

He was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ludington, member of the Ludington Eagles, Ludington Moose Lodge, and lifelong member of the Ludington American Legion Post #76 and also is a past post commander of the American Legion Post #76. Irving received the American Heroism Award from the American Legion for saving the life of a young boy from drowning.

Irving enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and doing cookouts with family and friends.

Irving is survived by his 3 sons, Tom Fulker of Ludington; Doug (Peggy) Fulker of Stephensville, LA and Mike (Desiree) Fulker of Kingsley, MI; 8 grandchildren, Samantha (Rick) Adams, Russell (Brandi) Fulker, Christopher Fulker, Heather (Chris) Cambre, Tiffany Fulker, Cody, Danielle and Morgan Fulker; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alice Moline; brother, Milton Fulker; and brother-in-law, Roger Moline.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Irving may be directed to the Ludington American Legion Post #76.

Feel free to share a memory or photo with Irving family at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Ludington.