Joseph P. Mulvey of Lompoc, California, left peacefully to reunite with his daughter Cheri Von Platon, granddaughter Crystal Brecht, his parents, brothers, sister and many friends on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017.

Dad was born in Spokane, Washington on December 23, 1930, the "baby" of the family, to John and Loretta Mulvey.

As a young child Dad was fascinated by airplanes, hanging out at local airports, working for airplane rides, watching the planes and pilots for hours on end. Later in life Dad fulfilled his dream by obtaining his private pilot's license and enjoyed many years of flying and hanger parties.

Dad married Mom, La Verne Heckel, the love of his life on October 11, 1952, after four years of courting. Together for 69 years Dad's love, admiration and commitment for Mom was unwavering. Dad wrote this to Mom on December 17, 2016: "This is my promise Honey, I will always Love You! They that love beyond this world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot take away what never dies." LOVE.

Dad proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War, enjoyed an adventurous 6-year career with Northern Pacific Railroad and Communications Supervisor for 20 years with Quintron at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, California.

After retirement in 1991, Dad enjoyed flying his Cessna and Yankee, mulligan golfing (his and Frank's own version of cheating, ha ha) writing humorous stories about his childhood antics and life's experiences, playing on his computer and sharing his famous Irish shenanigans on Facebook with family and friends. We were so blessed by Dad's love, intelligence, strength, compassion, wisdom and our Hero who always lead by example.

Dad is survived by his wife, our mother La Verne Mulvey, daughter Wendy Coxsey, son Richard Mulvey, daughter Tami Brecht, daughter Lori Harmon, many loving grandchildren and a multitude of family and friends.

A celebration of life ceremony service will be held at Starbuck Lind Mortuary in Lompoc on December 23, 2017, at 3pm.