Mr. John C. Mulligan

John graduated from Saint John's High School in Fresno, and began working for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in 1937, until he entered the United States Army/Air Force in 1943 as a B-17 flight engineer and top turret gunner during World War II. After surviving 27 bombing missions over Nazi Europe, and being discharged in 1945, he resumed working for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Fresno/Los Angeles as an accountant and finally as the general manager, retiring in 1984. In addition, he was President and owner of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Bend, Or. for several years until his retirement. After his retirement, he continued his love of work even more, helping his son in his own business, Image Homes, from 1981 through 2008.

He met his life partner, Barbara Tanner, after returning from the war in 1945, marrying in 1946. They settled in Fresno their entire married life, nearly 67 years, raising their daughter Kathy, and son Kevin.

John was always very active in his community as a leader and served on many boards of directors, such as the Fresno Convention Bureau, Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America, President of San Joaquin Memorial High School Father's Club, and President of the California Nevada Bottler's Association, to name a few.

More than anything, John enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and golfing with his Sunnyside Country Club golf buddies, where he was the proud owner of "5" Holes-in-One between 1978 and 1998. In his later years he further enjoyed meeting friends at Fort Washington Country Club for breakfast.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire Saint Agnes Medical Center staff involved in John's care; as well as a deep appreciation to Dr. Mike Saul and Dr. Swarnpal Sekhon.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother, Gerald and Mary Roseline Mulligan; his sister, Isabelle Baziuk; his brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Emma Tanner; and his nephew, Douglas Tanner.

John is survived by his loving wife Barbara; his daughter, Kathleen Birnbaum and her husband, Dr. Alan Birnbaum; his son, Kevin Mulligan and his wife JoDe; his cherished grandchildren, Patrick, Jenny and Kelly Mulligan; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, at 355 E. Champlain, Fresno, Ca., 93720, on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Remembrances may be made to the St. Agnes Foundation, 1111 E. Spruce Ave., Fresno, Ca., 93720; or the donor's favorite charity.