JOHN MELVIN CULLINS

John Melvin Cullins was born in his family's mountain top home in Ojai, CA. John was the second child and first son of seven children born to Ollie and Lee Omia Cullins. A few years after John was born, the family moved to the Caruthers, CA area. John attended schools in Easton, CA and Caruthers, CA and graduated from Washington Union High School in 1955. Shortly after that, John enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. He was trained as a Crypto Operator and was then stationed in Saudi Arabia. After his military time was served, John returned to Fresno, CA with his young family. In 1963, John joined the City of Fresno Fire Department. He served as a Firefighter and Engineer for 33 years. John was a very active person. He enjoyed playing golf and fishing with his friends and family. He kept himself very busy tending to his acreage and vehicles. There wasn't anything that John did not try and take care of himself first, before asking for help. In 1998, John and another fireman actually built the home that John lived in until he left us. His fondest memories were of the times that he spent at Jawbone Canyon and the Mojave Desert riding his dirt bike and camping with all of his firemen brothers. John was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Lee Omia Cullins; sisters, Mary Ray, and Nell Butts; and brother, Jim Cullins. John is survived by his caring wife, Sharon Grabe of Sanger, CA; sons, Mike Cullins of Clovis, CA, and David Cullins and his wife Fay; grandchildren, Corey Cullins, John Cullins and Mandy Barben, all of Newcastle, OK; brothers, Sid Cullins of Alturas, CA, and George Cullins of Madera, CA; sister, Bonnie Brooks of Selma, CA; and his cat that he adored, Zac Brown. Sharon would like to especially thank Dr. Hailu, Sonny and all of the exceptional team at Hinds Hospice for their compassionate care of John. A Celebration of Life will be held for John at his home on Markay in Sanger, CA on Saturday, June 11, 2016, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hinds Hospice, 2490 W Shaw #101, Fresno, CA 93711; or to donor's favorite charity in John's memory.