Clayton Cooper Fulton

Clayton Cooper Fulton, known affectionately as Clay, passed away on November 13th, 2025, at the age of 84.   Born on October 1st, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, Clay was a man whose life was marked by loyalty and authenticity. He recently moved to Wichita, Kansas with his beloved wife, Louisa Fulton (Rosales). Together, they shared 33 years of marriage after tying the knot in Texas on May 23rd, 1992.

From an early age, music was Clay’s passion and an integral part of his identity.   His parents discovered his unique ability to pick out records by their colors or distinct markings as a toddler. This passion blossomed as his family moved to Watertown, New York, where at age 17, he started and led a trio band called “The Atomicats.” His musical journey continued in Cortland, New York, where he formed “Clay Fulton and The Cindells,” a rock & roll band that enriched the local music scene. He was a self-taught guitarist and an expressive singer who went on to write and produce his solo country/rockabilly track, “I Don’t Know What’s Wrong With Me.” Clay’s deep connection to music was evident in every chord he played and every song he sang.   Unreleased songs by “Clay Fulton and the Cindells” included  “Wishing Well” and “Wait and See” which can be downloaded online.

Clay’s fondness for Texas western tradition brought him to Galveston, Texas in 1982, where he worked as a gas service technician and continued to engage with music at “Joey’s” lounge. It was in Galveston that he met Louisa and eventually, Clay’s “sense of adventure” led them to Las Vegas, Nevada. After 30 years, they returned to Louisa’s hometown of Wichita due to Clay’s illness.

Clay also served his country with distinction as a member of the US Army 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam in 1964. His service continued long after his military days as he joined the American Legion in 1969, where he remained an active member for 55 years. He was particularly involved in the Legion’s activities in Cortland City, New York.  Variably he engaged in patriotic parades, coordinated a presentation of a rare 38- star historical flag to the Kodak Colorado Division, and helped in running Legion-sponsored events.  He recently transferred his membership to the American Legion Kansas Post 4.  His hobbies included trap shooting and maintaining his classic car and attending car shows, endeavors that brought him great joy and camaraderie.

Clay’s legacy is cherished by his sister, Beverly Ingraham (Donald), and remembered by his predeceased parents, Lester R. and Irene Fulton, and his brother, Gary Fulton.

In keeping with his spirit of community service, memorial contributions can be directed to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice,  https://www.hynesmemorial.org/ 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202 and American Legion Post 4, 816 North Water Street, Wichita, KS 67205, https://kansaspost4.com/

Rosary will be 10:30 am, Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, both on Saturday, November 22, 2025,  at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

Clay’s loyalty, melodic voice, and skilled hands are deeply missed. His journey was a testament to living an authentic life, neither sidelined by its demands nor its challenges.

“We Have Loved Them In Life, Let Us Not Forget Them in Death” – St. Ambrose.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.