Neil "Tad" A. Fuller

Neil “Tad” Ansell Fuller, son of Ansell and Mary Pauline “Polly” Spain Fuller, was born February 28, 1947, at the Community Hospital of Beloit, Kansas. He passed away unexpectedly at home January 6, 2024 in Council Grove, Kansas.

Tad, the youngest son of Ansell and Polly, told many stories of life on the farm, spending endless hours with Fuller cousins. Many of which were special memories with “Nonnie” Spain and “Nonnie” Fuller. His hardworking demeanor and charming personality started at a young age. This led to many years of engaging with folks at Fuller Chevrolet and Neil Fuller and Sons Farms.

Tad graduated from Beloit High School in 1965. Following high school, Tad attended Fort Hays State University, majoring in secondary education and graduating in 1971. He taught at the Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility before pursuing his passion to farm by returning to Neil Fuller and Sons Farm from 1972-1988.

His endless smile and stylish navy and white Fuller Chevrolet jacket, caught the eye of LuAnn Blythe in the fall of 1977. As a licensed pilot, Tad courted LuAnn with frequent flights between the Delavan Airport and Beloit Municipal Airport. After a five-month engagement, LuAnn and Tad married on September 2, 1978, establishing a union built on devotion, commitment, friendship and family traditions.

God’s plan all along was to fill Tad and LuAnn’s home with two girls who had big personalities and a whole lot of excitement! Mollie Blythe was born on October 24, 1982. Followed by Andrea Lee on July 25, 1985. Tad was adamant on raising strong, hard-working girls. He and LuAnn empowered them to be fierce, determined and well-rounded individuals by keeping them involved in sports, dance, dealer trades and farm life. Always in tow, the girls were constantly involved in Tad’s daily routine.

In 1988, Tad transitioned from farming to Fuller Chevrolet where his people pleasing personality shined. For 17 years, he worked endlessly for the betterment of others and his talents were never-ending. Tad took great pride in his family, work, community and the dealership. In 2005, Tad and LuAnn departed Beloit to build their dream home on the Council Grove Lake. Tad spent countless hours ensuring his home was beautiful. C-43 was a welcoming home as the headquarters of family gatherings, lake association assemblies and holiday family traditions. Any friend of the girls was a friend of Tad and LuAnn. They always had an open door policy to everyone.

Once arriving to Council Grove, Tad continued with his love of cars and worked with the public for seven years at Bolton’s car dealership until 2012. Tad’s close-knit lake friendship with his good friend and neighbor, Andy Hutter, plus his devotion to always making something better, the partnership of Wildcat Pasture Clearing was created. This became a great business adventure through 2015.

God furthered His plan for Tad when choosing his sons-in-law, Bryant Avery and Bentson Oleen. Tad knew not just anyone could join the charismatic family of four. From these two special unions, Tad’s four most prized possessions were born, his grandchildren. The title “GrandTad” was something he cherished. Tad was his grandkids’ biggest fan, best friend, number one fishing buddy and most desired babysitter. They will miss him deeply.

Tad didn’t know a stranger and his gift to connect with anyone truly was important to him. He took great pride sharing his stories on country cruises, drinks down by the water or with the morning coffee groups.

Left to mourn his passing is his wife, LuAnn Blythe Fuller, daughters Mollie (Bryant) Avery and Andrea (Ben) Oleen of Manhattan, KS. His four grandchildren: Trace and Hayes Avery and Kenton and Kate Oleen. Along with LuAnn’s siblings: Steve (Barb) Blythe, Carolyn (Carl) Peterson, Sarajane (Jerry) Shubert, Ali (Denver) Marlow. Tad had numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends. Along with one loyal companion. His dog, Fozzie. Tad was predeceased by his parents: Ansell & Polly Fuller, JC Fuller (brother), Josh Fuller (nephew) and Brad Fuller- his special cousin and lifelong best friend.

Tad’s wishes were cremation. A visitation will be held in Council Grove on Thursday, January 11 at Sawyer Funeral Home from 4-630 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 13 at Beloit Methodist Church with Kristi Arasmith officiating. A private burial service for family will directly follow at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Morris County Area Foundation and/or the Solomon Valley Community Foundation.