Joseph H. Fankhauser

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Mason, TX

Branch of Service: United States Marine Corps

Rank: Staff Sgt.

Staff Sergeant Joseph Fankhauser served in the U.S. Marine Corps, assigned to 1st EOD Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion. He was part of the elite unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, responsible for diffusing the devices the enemy used to harm so many people. He deployed six times to Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded two Purple Hearts.

Joseph was extremely generous – the kind of person to give you the shirt off his back, the food off his plate, the last smoke in the pack. In his free time, he loved concerts, video gaming, and playing with his three dogs.

He died of injuries received while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Fankhauser was survived by his wife of six years, Heather Fankhauser; his father, Henry Fankhauser; and his mother, Mary Wyscarver. He had numerous relatives and friends and is very much missed by all of them.

Age: 30

Date of Death: April 22, 2012