Biographies and Obituaries
In loving memory
John L. Sullivan
Washington Time-Herald
23 Nov 2007
John L. Sullivan, 77, 1112 Everett Lane, loving father, faithful husband,
loyal friend and devoted Christian, passed away at 7:35 p.m. Thursday
at home. Born in Washington, he was the son of Georgia (Fine) and Walter
Sullivan. He attended St. Simon’s grade school and Washington Catholic
High School, graduating in 1949. He loved reading and could quote Shakespeare
accurately, which he did quite often. He served in the Army in Korea
during the Korean War. He received three American medals and a Korean
medal from Kim Dae Jung, President of Republic of Korea. Returning home
from the service he worked for the B&O Railroad in Washington. He married
Joyce Cleveland on April 15, 1956. She still lives in Washington. Their
son Keith lives in New Albany. John L. played on the Eagles baseball
team that became the County Champions in 1948. He played center on the
Cardinal basketball team, being lead scorer in many games. After high
school he played on independent basketball teams. He was given what was
called American’s greatest basketball honor when chosen to play on the
1954 All American team. They won the Gold Medal Basketball tourney and
he won eight out of 10 awards. From this he received a basketball scholarship
for two years to Vincennes University. He graduated third in his class
from Indiana University, receiving a degree in Police Administration,
and acquired one year of law and one year of human social behavior as
well. After graduation he worked in the Louisville, Ky. and Jeffersonville,
Ind. area. In 1976 he and his wife moved to Greene County. He retired
from CNWSC, Crane, in 1992. In 1993 he moved back to Washington, becoming
involved with St. Vincent De Paul for 13 years performing many duties,
including working on the Assistance Line, the Board of Directors and
President of St. Simon’s Conference for the past four years. He was a
member of St. Simon’s Church, Washington Catholic Community, American
Legion, Eagles, Elks, Knights of Columbus, Moose, St. Vincent De Paul
and V.F.W. John L. developed a love of hunting as a young man, receiving
his first gun at age 14 and later in life he became a fast draw with
a pistol. He won many trophies with the bow. He was an avid hunter, both
bow and gun, especially for deer, and has two mounted trophy deer. In
addition to many deer, which he killed locally he killed, and has mounted,
a cinnamon bear, a wild boar, and an antelope from trips out west. He
was interviewed about his experiences in Korea by a representative from
Sen. Lugar’s office. It is in the Veterans History Project, Library of
Congress, In Washington, D.C. He was also interviewed by Rex Myers, local
historian, and his life story is available at the Daviess County Museum.
His friendships starting before the first grade, have lasted a lifetime.
His personality was like a magnet and he drew people to him. He had a
passion for people and his friends called, before and after his illness,
from all over, even from Lourdes, France. He was a man whom kids looked
up to, admired and respected and, in addition to his son being close,
children of friends have been at his side during these past few weeks.
In addition to his wife and son he is survived by a sister, Mary Margaret
Sullivan, living in Washington, a granddaughter, Jessie Doerr of Jeffersonville,
a grandson, Alex Nicholson of New Albany, and a great-grandson, Chase
Reid of Jeffersonville. His parents, Georgia and Walter Sullivan are
both deceased. His uncles, Tim, Dick, Tom, Luke, Matthew and William
Sullivan, as well as Voris Fine, and aunts Catherine Vittitoe, Gladys
Robard, Mabel Reener and Hazel Tyree are also deceased. A Mass of Christian
burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Simon’s Church, with
Rev. Leo Kiesel officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. American
Legion and V.F.W. will present the flag at graveside. Visitation is from
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Gill Chapel, with a Christian wake service
at 4 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. Jude Children Research Hospital,
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Vista Care Hospice, 323
Metro Ave., Evansville, IN 47715.
(Nov. 22, 2007)
Contributed by: LJG