A former pilot, Milton's son, Merrell, is now a top surf-rock star, and with Milt playing guitar, and his wife Evelyn singing, music was part of the family life early on. Merrell has also played folk, blues, jazz and bluegrass music. Milt was of German ancestry and ended up living in Louisville, Kentucky, where he ran a liquor store. Louisville was also where he met his wife. Because of his day job, he often moved, living near Lake Elsinore and then Arroyo Grande in the 1950's. Fankhauser was one of the many drivers to serve in the Second World War, becoming a corporal in the 10th Armored Tank Division, and saw service at the conflicts at Bastonge and the Saar, fighting against the nation of his ancestry.

Biography last updated 13 Aug 2016