Joseph Fankhauser

Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser, age 30, of Mason, Texas, died on April 22, 2012, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was killed by the explosion of an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. 

Joseph was on his second deployment to Afghanistan. He also made four deployments to Iraq.

Joe joined the military after graduating from Mason High School in Central Texas, where he was a band member and football player. 

Family members stated that they are devastated by his loss and that he will be forever missed. His wife describes Joe as the love of her life. Others in the family describe him as quiet, intense and goal-oriented.

Light a candle for Joe.
Light his way to Heaven.

It was stated that Joe loved the military and had dedicated almost half of his life to the Marine Corps. 

His medals from previous deployments include a Combat Action Ribbon and Purple Heart.

Joe is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother, Mary Wyscarver; his father, Henry Fankhauser; and Joe's wife, Heather Fankhauser. 

Let us pray that Joseph Fankhauser is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.