Irvin “Little Irvy” Mulanax, 95, of Tulare, passed away peacefully in Visalia after a brief illness, surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, February 9th.
Irvin, Irvy, or “Little Irvy”, was born to the late Claude and Augusta Mulanax on November 19, 1919 in Apache, Oklahoma. Irvin and his family made their way to California in 1939. Working in farming, the family traveled the state following the harvest from picking prunes to cotton finally settling in Corcoran. Irvin found steady employment as a foreman for Hansen Farms. It was in Corcoran that he met the love of his life, Laura Magdalene “Maggie” Cribbs and they were married in 1940. On May 31st they would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Their union brought 3 children into their family, Keith, Larry and Phyllis. In 1950 they purchased 160 acres in Visalia which he farmed until 1957, when he turned that ground into his pride and joy, The Sierra View Golf Course. In 1960 they built their home on the 10th tee, where they would reside until 1980. At that time they moved to Harmon Farms in Waukena, where they have spent their retirement.
Throughout his life he has had many accomplishments. In 1953 he was initiated into the Olive Branch Masonic Lodge No.269 and he was raised in the organization later that year. He advanced in the chairs becoming Master in 1961. In 1966 he partnered with his nephew Jerry “Tyrone” Malone and long-time friend George Zarounian to create the traveling frozen whale show, named in his honor, “Little Irvy”. Irvin and Magdalene went on the road exhibiting the show at fairs and festivals throughout the United States and Canada for several years. After their travels ended, he “worked” on his golf course 18 holes at a time. When he sold the golf course he was able to keep his red golf cart at the course and he continued to play nearly every day until the mid 2000’s. In 2003 he got a Hole in One. Golf was truly his second love.
Irv is preceded in death by his parents, his six siblings, his beloved sons Keith Mulanax and Larry Mulanax, and Son-in-Law Howard Harmon. He is survived by his loving wife Maggie, daughter Phyllis Harmon, Grandchildren Robin Silveira (Rocky) and Cammra Bettencourt (Dennis), and four Great Grandchildren, Tanner and Taelor Silveira and Baylee and Bridon Bettencourt. His family will miss their beloved “PoPo”. In Leiu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the donors favorite charity.
Graveside services were held on February 19, 2015 at the Main Tulare District Cemetery at 10:00am.