Richard Alan Fulton

Richard Alan Fulton, a beloved husband, father, brother and son, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. 

From a young age, Richard developed a passion for reading, classroom theatrics, and projecting his voice effectively. Richard also excelled at baseball, football, basketball, and was a top tier, though reluctant, long-distance runner. He developed a life-long love of sports. In middle school, when asked to describe himself in one word, he fittingly chose “irrepressible” and was quite adept at living up to this reputation. He attended J. Frank Dobie High School, graduating in 1980, where he was the self-appointed Dobie Longhorn mascot, adorning himself in bright orange overalls and a horned baseball cap while fearlessly taunting the opposing teams. As might be expected, he graduated with honors and was voted as “Personality Plus” and “Most Gregarious” by his classmates.

Following in his maternal grandfather’s footsteps, Richard attended the University of Texas in Austin, earning a Bachelor’s in Government. Richard then returned to Houston to earn a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Houston and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law. He also held teaching positions in Political Science at the college level and his dedication was evident in his teaching and presentations on surety topics at various seminars. In 2018, Richard was elected to membership in the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation for his outstanding professional achievements. He was recognized in Best Lawyers in America in the practice areas of Construction Law and Litigation-Construction in both 2024 and 2025. Professionally, Richard was a Director at Coats Rose specializing in Construction, Surety and Litigation since 2002.

He was an ardent democrat and gave generously to democratic parties.

While attending the University of Houston, Richard met and fell in love with his wife, Lisa. They married in May 1990 and raised two daughters, Eleanor and Edie, in Pearland, Texas.

Richard’s daughters were the love of his life and witnessing their growth and achievements brought him immense joy. Through-out their youth, Richard actively participated and championed their club and high school soccer activities as assistant coach and booster club president. He was also a strong advocate for his daughters and provided unwavering support for their higher education pursuits.

Not to be overlooked are the lifelong friendships Richard maintained from every phase of his life. Among his closest friends were Greg Bryan from high school, Scott Cordes from law school and work colleague Barry Rabon whom he enjoyed an occasional cigar with while leaning against the parking garage rail at the end of the work week.

Off and on throughout his life, Richard enjoyed golfing, fly-fishing, camping, biking, and long walks. He also consumed an enormous amount of reading material. Undoubtedly, though, his most constant pleasure came from cooking. He was happiest when preparing a family meal while watching a cooking show and enjoying a glass of wine. His love for cooking was evident in the unique and spectacular dishes he prepared for his family. His daughter once exclaimed, 'Why can't we eat normal things like other families?' after being served yet another unusual dish. One of his favorite and oft repeated phrases as he was about to serve dinner was, “We both like soup!” from the movie, “Best in Show.”

Richard was born in Dallas, Texas in 1961 (and has the birth certificate to prove it!). As a fourth generation Texan, he spent his entire life as a proud Texas resident, Texas educated, Texas dedicated and stood as a lone star in everyone’s hearts.

Richard will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. His larger-than-life personality and unwavering support for his loved ones will be remembered forever. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Chapman Fulton, and their two daughters, Eleanor Yanyu Fulton and Edith Huiyu Fulton. He is also survived by his mother, Patricia Curry, stepfather Lawrence Curry III, stepmother Loretta Fulton, sister Jean Hendrix (who broke his arm in a childhood mishap) and husband Jay Hendrix, brother Robert Fulton (who really, really liked the guy despite his frightening driving habits) and wife Estela Fulton and many nieces and nephews. Richard is preceded in death by his brother Thomas Fulton and father James Fulton.

A Celebration of Richard’s Life will take place at the residence of Denise Crawford, 2716 Albans Road, West University, Texas on Sunday, May 4th, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm with Tributes beginning at 4:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Houston Zoo, the National Park Services, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or the American Heart Association.