Arthur (Art) Harrison Tull, 92, of Independence, Kansas, passed away at his home on March 23, 2025. Art was celebrated as the first baby born in Independence, Kansas on January 1, 1933. He was born to Forrest H. Tull and Bonnie Ellen (Hull) Tull. The family has been lifelong residents of Independence.
Art graduated from Independence High School and Independence Community College. He married Norma Ratzlaff at the First United Methodist Church in Fredonia, KS on December 7, 1952, at High Noon. The couple honeymooned in Monterrey, Mexico. Art and Norma would have been married for 73 years in December. They went on to have three children, Rick, Randy and Gina.
In Art's early years, he and his wife, Norma, were involved in the local Saddle Club Association. Art raised his Quarter Horse, "Lucky", from a newborn colt, taught him how to shake hands, built a horse trailer and competed in area shows. Art could rope and ride with the best.
Art joined Automotive Controls Corporation as Foreman of Sub-Assembly in April of 1965, and progressed through Industrial Engineering to Chief Industrial Engineer. He was promoted to Plant Manager in September of 1971.
Art's love of the city of Independence was demonstrated through his participation in numerous civic organizations. He served as past President of the Independence Rotary Club, President of the Industrial Management Council, Executive Advisor of the Junior Achievement organization, and a past member of the Board of Directors of the Independence Chamber of Commerce. Art participated in a Dale Carnegie course where he was awarded by a class vote and Dorothy Carnegie for a compelling talk on "Effective Speaking and Human Relations". Art truly loved Independence, its businesses and the people.
Art was an active member of the Grace Memorial United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School, Bible Study and was a Lay Leader for over 30 years. He served on the Church Board of Trustees, and after retirement, became the Pastor of the Church. Art was a master at teaching, without a formal certificate or training.
Art and Norma were members of the "Old Time Music Group", where they both sang, and Art played the guitar. Art's numerous other passions included hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren, family vacations to San Antonio, TX, Colorado, New York City and Mexico, and watching the Kansas City Chiefs.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Bonnie Tull, two sons, Rick A. Tull of Topeka, KS and Randy H. Tull of Independence, KS, and sister, Norma Jean Fienen of Pampa, TX.
Surviving family to treasure his memory are his beloved wife of 72 years, Norma, daughter, Gina Eisler (Mark), Lynne Tull, wife of Rick Tull, Susie Tull, wife of Randy Tull; four grandchildren, Megan (Ryan), Amie (Eric), Remington and Hunter; three great-grandchildren, Tegan, Vonley and Marshall; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Art will always be remembered for his genuine kindness to all, his love of family and friends, his calm and steady presence and his faith. He loved his home and the family who lived there, which was evident in how he cared for both. Art would say to all reading this obituary to love one another, be kind, be respectful and love God.
Art's life can be summed up with the words from the plaque that has sat on the family's kitchen table for over 50 years, and which he received from his children, "God Blessed our Home. He gave us Dad!"
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