The loved ones of Camp Pendleton Marine Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser are remembering their friend today on Facebook after learning he was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday. The Department of Defense reports Fankhauser died in combat operations in Helmand province.
Fankhauser's widow, Heather Murray Fankhauser, started the Facebook memorial page for the man she calls "the love of my life." Friends of Staff Sgt. Fankhauser quickly added their memories to the page. From Eric Chir:
Joe, words can't express, exactly what I am feeling right now. I lost a great friend, but my kids gained an awesome guardian angel. I can never thank you enough for watching over my family, while I was gone. Rest easy now, for I will watch over yours, till we are all together again.
Samantha Loveland McCrory wrote:
Joseph, your ability to hold a two hour conversation with me, then go jump in a bounce house with my husband will forever warm my heart. :) The love you have for your wife is so true and so rare - it will live on forever in all of our hearts.
Staff Sgt. Fankhauser's mother-in-law Julie Campbell added:
Our hearts are broken and we are devastated about losing you, our beautiful and loving son-in-law. Joseph you were so good to Heather and loved her so much and we loved having you in our lives.
Staff Sgt. Fankhauser grew up in Mason, Texas.
He was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton.
