Fulton Sidney Owensby Sr.

Fulton Sidney Owensby, Sr. (January 16, 1932 - October 18, 2023) Fulton was a man known first and foremost for his love for God and for his family, but will also be remembered by many for his impeccable work ethic, entrepreneurship, passion for heavy equipment and construction and his tremendous generosity. Fulton Sidney Owensby, Sr, 91, of Middletown, DE went home to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded in his final days by family and friends, on October 18, 2023. Fulton was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1932 to Fulton and Evelyn Owensby. Fulton was the eldest of seven and through the years always maintained a close relationship with his siblings, Charles, Joseph, Evelyn, James, Carroll (Bud) and Katherine. In his early years, his family moved to the mountains of North Carolina where he spent part of his childhood. Fulton’s father taught him about heavy equipment and construction and the importance of hard work and Fulton spent most of his growing up years working alongside his father to help provide for their family. His family then moved to Wilmington, DE where they owned a saw mill and then later an excavation business, Owensby Bros. Excavating. He and his father then established State Line Machine, Inc, which Fulton would later take over and make into the successful business it is today. Fulton met the love of his life, Naomi, in 1956 and they were married May 4, 1957, celebrating 66 years of marriage this year. Fulton and Naomi would often recount one of their early dating memories when they were sitting in Fulton’s truck together and he asked Naomi if she wanted a kiss and proceeded to reach across her into his glove compartment and pull out a Hershey’s kiss and offer it to her. This memory always brought a smile and a chuckle to Fulton every time he would tell it, especially due to Naomi’s appalled reaction at his boldness at the time. Fulton and Naomi were blessed with their daughter, Sherry, the following year and then their son, Fulton Jr, eight years after that. Fulton worked hard throughout their married life to provide for his family and took pride in giving his wife, children and grandchildren a more financially secure life than what he had experienced growing up. Though Fulton loved working, continuing to grow his business State Line Machine, Inc and serving as a Gideon, one role that brought joy to his life was being a Pop-pop and then later a G-Pop. Around Christmas every year, until most of his grandchildren were grown, Fulton would take all of them out Christmas shopping to pick out presents for their parents. This was a fond memory and special time for Fulton and his grandchildren. Fulton always enjoyed tradition and having his family around him, which is why in 1996 he purchased farmland in Middletown, DE for him, along with his wife, his children and their families to live on. Fulton not only worked in heavy equipment, but was passionate about collecting construction equipment models and full-sized antique trucks and equipment. He was an active member of a number of organizations including; Independent Distributors Association (President), Suburban Contractors Association, DE Contractors Association, Rough and Tumble, International Watch Fob Association, Oliver Hart-Par Club, Caterpillar Club, Historical Construction Equipment Association and Antique Truck Club of America (DE Chapter). Fulton was known for his museum style collection of model and full-sized equipment that he would have on display for the public at least once a year. This was always a highlight for Fulton, and he enjoyed sharing this with others. Fulton was also passionate about sharing his Christian faith and was a member of Gideons International since 1976 and could often be found handing out Bibles throughout the state. Fulton formed life-long friendships through this organization and looked forward to the Gideon breakfast and fellowshipping with his friends. Fulton felt it was important to be an active member of a local church and loved his church family at Cornerstone Ministries Church. Fulton will always be remembered by his family and those who knew him well for the legacy he leaves of faith in God, the love of family and the value of hard work and will be greatly missed by all. Fulton is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Naomi; their children: Sherry Miller (Forrust) and Fulton Owensby Jr. (Pamela); his siblings: Joseph Owensby, James Owensby (Patricia), Katherine Leska (Harry) and Carroll (Bud) Owensby (Mary); his grandchildren: Heather Baker (Noah), Laurel Stull (Matthew), Ryan Owensby (Maggie) and Kelsey Hooper (Brittan); and great grandchildren Joshua Stull, Andrew Manz, Samuel Stull, Luke Baker, Daniel Stull, Josiah Baker, Hope Stull, Owen-Timothy Hooper and Baby Owensby (due February 2024). Fulton was preceded in death by his parents, Fulton and Evelyn Owensby, and siblings, Charles Owensby and Evelyn Jones. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 9:30-11 AM at Cornerstone Ministries Church, 2931 Wrangle Hill Rd, Bear, DE 19701. A memorial service will follow at 11 AM. Burial will be private at Gracelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations to Gideons International - New Castle County South Camp, PO Box 131, Odessa DE 19730 would be greatly appreciated. For directions or to send an online condolence please visit www.stranofeeley.com Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459