Leonard Fuller

FULLER, Leonard R.

Grand Rapids, MI

Age 87, entered his heavenly home January 11, 2019. Leonard was born January 15, 1931 in Lansing to the late Elmer and Lila (Longcore) Fuller. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Arlene; and brother Wendell Fuller. Leonard's love for Christ was expressed as a husband, father, grandfather, teacher and in his many ministries of helping people through his gifts and creative nature for art, designing and his love of music. Leonard is survived by his daughters, Diane (Randy) Sellhorn of Ft. Wayne, IN, Carla (Robbie) Teagarden-Willis of Atlanta, GA, Denise (Paul) Platte of Pittsburgh, PA; grandsons, Tyler Sellhorn, Isaac & Luke Platte; 5 great grandchildren; and brother Jerry (Barb) Fuller of DeWitt. A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 13 at 2 PM at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, 2510 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit family following the service. According to his wishes cremation will take place and a committal service will be held in the summer at Mt Hope Cemetery in Lansing. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Arts Education, or South Baptist Church in Lansing. www.lifestorynet.com

Written by Carla Teagarden (middle daughter) hours after receiving the news of Leonard’s heaven date.

NOTE: Each of us as we ponder heaven have different images of heaven that come to mind. They aren’t necessarily theologically correct, but this was Carla’s imagery of Dad entering heaven.

“The imagery of heaven that came to mind was a crowd of witnesses when Dad reached Heaven. I know that our first “goal” if that’s the right word, should probably be to see Jesus, but in my minds eye I pictured this large group of people standing at the gate and as Dad entered, Mother standing there beaming and then running to Dad, throwing her arms around him and saying ”Leonardo”, you’re finally home! Dad turning to Tim and giving him a big hug, telling him he’s been missed, then follows Uncle Wendell, Grandma and Grandpa, and extended family. Mother and Dad just keep embracing through the excitement, so happy to be whole, and in each others presence. Then as Mother and Dad walk hand in hand, the crowd parts way with people calling out to Dad in welcome. Friends, the many widows and people Dad helped throughout the years, Jamaican, Mexican and French people who came to know Christ through the mission work Dad and Mother did over the years. The people who became Jesus Followers after listening to Dad’s Potter & Clay demonstration at various activities, the teachers and students he influenced. Then Tim takes up his tenor sax and tells Dad that since he had asked him to play Because He Lives at his funeral and Tim had already gone to heaven before him, it seemed only right that he play it now. And as that sweet refrain begins and the Words “Because He Lives” begin to form on everyone’s lips, the crowd parts again and there stands Jesus with his arms spread wide and Dad begins to walk and then run to be enfolded in the arms of his Savior that he has served for so many years. And those sweet, sweet words that we long to hear are spoken, ”Welcome Home my Good and Faithful Servant.” Jesus leads him by his hand to a bench in a garden and sits down next to him and people casually gather around taking seats and Jesus tells Dad that he is Home Forever. Dad reaches into his front shirt pocket and cocks his head at Jesus and Jesus nods. Dad places his harmonica to his lips and begins to play”.