Melvin Joe Fulwyler was born in Homedale, Idaho on February 12, 1932, son of Esther and Doak Fulwyler. The family moved to Vale, Oregon to a dairy farm. Joe attended Boise Jr. College, where he played football for 2 years, then transferred to Oregon State University in Corvallis. He majored in food technology and played football for the Beavers. He was drafted by the Pittsburg Steelers in 1954 and after one season was released due to injuries. He returned to Oregon State and graduated with a B.S. Degree and met Faye, who was graduating at the same time. Joe was hired by Hunt Foods in Hayward, California and Faye was hired as a high school teacher at Rio Vista, California. In March of 1956 they were married and moved to the farm in Wasco. Joe's hobbies were tennis, fishing and golf which he enjoyed immensely, as well as gardening and music. Joe loved Jesus and his family and they loved him. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Faye; brothers, Doug and wife Norma, Bob and wife Pat, Dick and wife Virginia; daughter, Lynne Struwe and husband Dan and their children, Spencer, Garrett, David and J.R.; son, Craig and wife Karen and their children, John, Paul and Ben; daughter, Suzanne Orr and husband Jim and their children, Joe and Bonnie; daughter, Janet Becker and husband Craig and their children, Natalie, Sarah, Adam, Alan, Andrew and Genevieve; and 5 great grandchildren. Melvin Joe Fulwyler, age 83 of Wasco, died October 6th, 2015 in Bakersfield after a long illness and was lovingly cared for by the staff of Dean's Care Villa. Joe will be cremated and his ashes flown over the beloved farmland that he farmed for 47 years. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 16 at 4pm at Laurelglen Bible Church, followed by a reception at Hodels. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his name to Market of Hope, worldwide missions, at Laurelglen Bible Church, 2800 Ashe Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309.