Linda Margaret Hahn Fullilove

Linda Margaret Hahn Fullilove was granted her eternal rest on December 24, 2023.  She was born in Des Moines, Iowa, March 11, 1942, but she got to Texas as soon as she could.  Her mother, Margaret Poirier Hahn, rode the train there from Randolf Field to collect Linda from the adoption agency while her father, Colonel Cecil O. Hahn, stationed in the U.K., would have to wait a few months more to meet her.  After the war, the newly formed Hahn family of three moved to San Marcos, Texas, and Linda grew up a proud Rattler, Class of ‘60.

Upon graduation, Linda spent a year living abroad with her family in Okinawa, Japan, while her father and history professor, Dr. Hahn, taught a series of courses as part of a university exchange program there. Upon their return, Linda enrolled in Southwest Texas State College to study education.

On December 10, 1963, she married Bobby Joe Fullilove of Gonzales, Texas.  They honeymooned in San Francisco, and then Bob shipped out to a new post in Honolulu, Hawaii, with the US Army.  She joined him in several months’ time and worked as a switchboard operator for the very busy island hospital.  In 1965, they returned to Texas, so Bob could help his mother with the family cattle operation after the sudden passing of his father.  They made their first home in Harwood.  Linda got a job working as a teaching assistant at North Avenue Elementary school, and they kept a roadside vegetable stand off of Highway 90 as a side hustle when it was still the main thoroughfare from San Antonio to Houston. She always considered those the happiest years of her life.

In 1967, Linda became Principal LeMont Menking’s secretary at North Avenue, when her new best friend, Evelyn Kridler, currently in the role, gave birth to a daughter who would become both her namesake and goddaughter.  In May of 1970, Linda and Bob got the call from their adoption agency that a little girl was waiting for them.  Linda left the role of secretary which Evelyn retook as well as becoming godmother to Linda’s newly adopted daughter, Lori.  The ladies remained life-long friends and enjoyed traveling together as part of the XYZ Group during retirement.

In 1970, Bobby Joe, was elected as the Gonzales County Clerk, and Linda became both a dedicated homemaker and supporter of her husband’s many community activities for the next sixteen years. They adopted a second child, Joey, in 1974.  During this time, Linda was an active PTO volunteer and officer.  She also enjoyed helping her husband set up election polling places and performing her civic duty as an election worker and judge for many years, even after Bob was no longer in office. 

In 1981, she joined the staff of the Methodist Happy House Preschool and became “Ms. Linda,” teacher of the “older threes,” a role she loved immensely for just over a decade.  Many of her students and their families remained very special to her.  She also began substitute teaching and then in the mid-90s, she joined the team at Gonzales Wal-Mart, working first as a fabric and craft lady, and later as cashier and greeter. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her girlfriends and participating in many social gatherings with her San Marcos Rattler friends.

Above all else, Linda loved being a grandmother, teaching them to swim and taking them on special outings.  A close second were all things Texas, especially bluebonnets and James Avery.  She couldn’t wait to drive the country roads during bluebonnet season each year.  She was loyal to Lady Bird Johnson and was a fanatic of James Avery from the early days when there was only one store.  Her grandchildren recall that they would know she was coming before she entered the room because her jingling JA charm bracelet would give her away. 

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil O. Hahn and Margaret “Mardy” P. Hahn and a beloved great aunt, Ada P. Burke, all of San Marcos, as well as grandson Morgan Zane Marek of Devine.

She is survived by her daughter, Lori Lynn Marek and husband, Clay, of Gonzales, currently residing in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, her son, Joseph Cecil Fullilove and wife, Brenda, of Gonzales.  Grandchildren are Emma Kate Marek of Houston; Jonathan Fullilove (Whitley), Hannah Fullilove, and Joseph Vallicillo, all of Gonzales; and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for Friday, December 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The family asks that anyone who would like to make a memorial donation in Linda’s name, please give to the Gonzales Crystal Theatre or Methodist Happy House Preschool. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.