John Patrick “Pat” Sullivan, Jr., age 86, of Manhattan, Kansas, former longtime resident of Anderson, South Carolina, died Thursday morning, July 28, 2016, at Meadowlark Hills-Collins House in Manhattan. He had been a Manhattan resident since 2004.
He was born on August 1, 1929, in Anderson, South Carolina, the son of John Patrick and Alice Linder Sullivan. Pat was raised in Anderson where he attended local schools, graduating from Boys High School in 1946.
Following high school he attended college at The Citadel, The Military college of South Carolina, where he received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. In 1948, while at The Citadel, he was honored by receiving the Star of the West award for being the best drilled cadet.
After his graduation from college he served with the U.S. Army in Germany from 1950 until 1954 at which time he moved back to the United States where he served in the Army Reserves until 1960. At the time of his honorable discharge in 1960 he held the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Upon his return to the United States in 1954, he went to work as a civil engineer for a land surveying company in Anderson. In 1961, he joined the family business of Sullivan Hardware Company, a wholesale and retail hardware company. While with Sullivan’s he held numerous positions and offices, eventually being named President of the company. He retired after more than 20 years.
Outside of his career, Pat was a member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Anderson, and upon moving to Manhattan, he joined the First United Methodist Church. His hobbies included building and flying model airplanes, playing Tennis which he enjoyed throughout his lifetime, and enjoying photography which included developing his own photos in his darkroom. He also was a volunteer for countless organizations and served on numerous boards.
On December 19, 1953, in Kassel, Germany, he was united in marriage to the former Helga Stephan. She preceded him in death on May 1, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents and by one brother, who died in infancy, in 1932.
He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Sullivan Olsen and her husband Ron, of Manhattan, Kansas and by three grandchildren: Joshua, Allison and Rebecca Olsen, a great grandson: Bronc Olsen, and by his sister: Alice “Linder” Sullivan of Manhattan.
Mr. Sullivan was cremated. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Anderson, South Carolina where his urn will be laid to rest beside his wife’s at the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Anderson.
To leave an on-line condolence, or special message for the family, please visit the funeral home website located at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorials have been established for the St. John’s United Methodist Church, Anderson, SC, the First United Methodist Church, Manhattan, KS, and for Homecare and Hospice, Inc. of Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Posted in: Anderson Independent Mail
Posted on: 2016-08-01
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/independentmail/obituary.aspx?n=john-patrick-sullivan&pid=180844003&fhid=4942#sthash.lwZ6VZ0y.dpuf