Michael Edward Mullen

November 6, 1946-June 1, 2012

Michael Edward Mullen passed away peacefully on June 1, 2012 at his home in Merced, CA at the age of 65 after a 2 year battle with Glioblastoma (brain cancer).

As a youth, Mike had his first job delivering the Fresno Bee and was awarded trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios for a job well done. At the age of 15, Mike worked for his father, Joe Mullen in Richfield, Texaco, and Arco stations, which his dad owned and operated. Mike loved the game of Billiards and worked at the Golden Cue Billiard Parlor, later known as Ferroni’s Billiards. He was known as “Merced Mike” by his friends because of his skill at playing the game. In 1966, Mike played Willie Mosconi in a 9-ball tournament held at the Golden Cue.

Mike graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School in 1964. He served in the Army National Guard from 1966 to 1972. Mike received his Associate of Science Degree from Merced College in 1972 and worked his way through college earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology from Fresno State in 1973. Mike’s education was a priority in his life, and he devoted every effort carrying 20 to 23 units a semester to receive his Bachelor’s in 1 year.

Mike received his Contractor’s License in 1977. Under his license, he built and designed apartments in Merced and Atwater. He worked throughout California for 35 years in the construction field in sales, estimating, and working as superintendant and project manager for numerous companies. Mike built apartments, housing subdivisions, dairies, Costco Warehouses, Lowes Hardware Stores, remodeled the Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto, and casinos to name a few.

Mike loved his brothers and sisters dearly. As a young adult, Mike would take his younger brothers and sisters on fishing and camping trips to Yosemite, and help them with their homework. He was thought of as the peacemaker among his siblings. As a family, they made trips to Disneyland, Nebraska to visit their grandparents and relatives, snow trips to Sonora and Pinecrest, rafting at McSwain River, and church picnics.

Mike’s love revolved around his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a hard worker who always provided for us as a family. He loved being outdoors, fishing, hiking, camping, target shooting, playing golf, taking trips to Yosemite, Pinecrest, Yellowstone, and to the coastal areas of Monterey. Mike enjoyed reading, blues and country music, and painting. When our sons played hockey we not only attended the practices, games, and tournaments but Mike also helped to coach the team on occasions. He loved going to car shows and helped our youngest son, Matt rebuild the engine in his 69 Mustang Fastback. He loved taking Steve and Matt fishing and he could always make them laugh with his fish stories of the “Big One” that got away. He bought our grandson, Grant his first fishing pole and a hat that said “Grandpa’s fishing buddy”. Mike was a kind, soft spoken person with a strong faith in God, and a sense of humor throughout life that he will always be remembered for. He touched the lives of many with his gentle ways and sense of humor.

Mike never gave up on life and never lost his smile or sense of humor. He was a friend to many and will be missed dearly. We Love You Michael.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Francis Mullen and Lorraine Mae Mullen and brother, Lawrence Mullen.

Mike is survived by his wife of 35 years, Barbara; sons, Steven of Winton and Matthew of Merced; grandchildren, Grant and McKinley; brothers, Richard Mullen of Visalia, CA, John Mullen of Mariposa, CA, Patrick Mullen, Arthur Mullen, Charles Mullen of Merced, James Mullen of Lynnwood, WA, Joseph Mullen of Fargo, ND; sisters, Sharyon Mullen-Dake of Roseburg, OR, Rose Preston, Marian Tucker, Mary Clark of Merced; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 from 3:00pm-7:00pm followed by Recitation of Rosary at 7:00pm at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA. A memorial service will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 10:00am with a reception to follow in the Stratford Evans Hall.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.