John L. Sullivan, 69, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, is a peace with his Lord, after passing away on Friday, November 21, 2008, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s at Logan Acres Care Center in Bellefontaine. He was born on September 23, 1939, to the late Emmett and Emma (Ackworth) Sullivan in Bellefontaine. On September 26, 1965, he married Joyce K. Smith in Bellefontaine, and she preceded him in death on June 8, 2005. A brother, Marvin Sullivan, and sister, Joan Green, also preceded him in death.
He is survived by three sons, John L. Sullivan Jr. of Bellefontaine; Jeff (Julia) Sullivan of Lewis Center, Ohio; and Brian Sullivan of Delaware, Ohio; one daughter, Joanna (Bob) Chapman of Bellefontaine; and grand children Jeffrey and Jordan Sullivan and Bobby and Brooke Chapman; a sister-in law- Linda Krisher; and several nieces and nephews.
After serving in the United States Army, he was a Bellefontaine Police officer for thirty years, retiring in 1992. He was the circulation manager for the Bellefontaine Examiner for forty years, and was a former City Councilman and had run for the Office of Mayor of Bellefontaine. He also organized and directed the first Safety Town in Bellefontaine.
He was a member of the Hi-Point Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #60 in Bellefontaine, and was an avid Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan. He was a devoted Father and Grandfather who had great love for the Lord. “John L” was a man of honor and this poem is a reflection of his life..
A Man of Honor
Shined shoes taking him where ere he must go
Clothes of blue and wrinkle free
Proudly displaying the silver badge
Watching over you and me
A father and a husband
Upholding what was true and right
Keeping us safe from all he saw
On call, both day and night
A man of strength and valor
Courageous and so true
Proudly displaying honor
As he wore his clothes of blue
Shoes no longer shined
Velcro and canvas has taken their place
Though lost in his confusion
From all he had to face
Life’s toll has come to call
Upon the one who stood so strong
Though still within his mind
He sees those who do much wrong
Hearing voices all about
Seeing things we don’t see
Unaware of his surroundings
Still watching over you and me
by Cherylene Bails 10/10/08
Calling hours will be held at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine on Monday, November 24, 2008, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Reverend Abraham Kenner and Blake Kenner, will conduct the funeral service at the First Church of God in Bellefontaine on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at 11 A.M. Burial will follow the service in the Bellefontaine Cemetery, where the Logan County Honor Guard will conduct military services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 2634 Lexington Ave. Springfield, Ohio 45505
Condolences to the family may be directed through eichholtz@embarqmail.com