John L Sullivan

Retired Lieutenant Colonel John L Sullivan Jr., 90, of Hominy, Oklahoma passed from this life on April 7, 2019, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

John was born January 13, 1929, in Drumright, Oklahoma. He was the son of John, Sr. and Jyme (Osborn) Sullivan. John grew up and attended school in Shamrock, Oklahoma, later graduating from Shamrock High School with the Class of 1946. During his time in school, John was active in basketball and baseball and was also the captain his senior year. Following high school, John furthered his education at Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater. During his time in college, John was a Cadet in the ROTC. On February 10, 1951, in Enid, Oklahoma John was inducted into the United States Air Force. John being an aviation enthusiast it was a match made in Heaven for him to be assigned as a pilot of the B-29 and immediately transitioned into pilot training. John served more than 180 hours of flight time in the B-29 during the Korean Conflict after the war. John returned to state side and was stationed in Albany, Georgia. The military retired to B-29, and he began flying the B-50. John remained in the military until his retirement on June 30, 1970. At his retirement Lt. Col. John Sullivan served nearly two years on foreign soil and had more than 6000 flight hours and was a part of the 2002 Communications Squadron. It is also said that John spent some time doing mapping for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile System. He had numerous accolades and decorations and they are as follows: Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Following his military retirement, John moved to Hominy and in the mid-1970s opened and operated an appliance and repair store. He later ventured with Bob Fisher with Sooner Lariats for a short time as well. During the time Dick Conners Correctional Facility was being built John began operating a small backhoe service which he later sold in the 1980s.

John later started to travel. Cimarron Pass outside Lake City, Colorado was his favorite place, he liked to stay there yearly. He took pictures in Durango Pass. When he was not traveling, John passed time in the library reading westerns, author Zane Grey being one of his favorites. John also built model railroads and even joined model railroad clubs. Some music that John enjoyed include Benny Goodman’s Big Band as well as Celtic music. John loved many things like guns and watches, but most of all he loved helping people.
Survivors include two children James Sullivan of Hominy, Oklahoma, Tracy Quinonez and her husband Harry of Claremore, Oklahoma; one granddaughter Katherine Carter of Claremore, Oklahoma, John Michael Quinonez of Denver, Colorado; two great-grandsons Liam, Nolan as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by two wives Jo Ann Hinkle, Barbara Kay Loving, one sister Peggy Jo Tucker and son John L. Sullivan, III.

Funeral services will be held on 2:00 pm, Thursday, April 18, 2019, at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Drew Tucker speaking. Burial of the cremated remains will be held at a later date. Chapman-Black Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for John at www.chapman-black.com.

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