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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

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