John Sullivan

“God, Family, Country”
Patriarch, patriot, and beloved husband John L. Sullivan died as he lived, surrounded by his family.  Born December 10, 1945, to William Edward and Jeanette Peck Sullivan in Los Angeles, California.  John passed away in his home in Francis, Utah, on March 8, 2013.
John married his eternal love, Dorothy May McNeil, and her seven children on April 2, 1987.  He brought his own daughter, Kellie, to the family, and together John and Dorothy had one son, William.  John’s and Dorothy’s marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.  From day one, John was a true father to Dorothy’s children.  He was never a stepfather, only a dad.  John loved his family above all else.
John grew up in Southern California, where his idyllic upbringing afforded him opportunities to travel the country by rail, surf, dive, spend his summers on Catalina Island, build and race cars, and play high school and college football.  One of his finest accomplishments was joining the United States Army in 1964.  He served in the Regular Army and National Guard, retiring honorably after more than 30 years.  Being a soldier was one of John’s greatest sources of pride.  John loved his country.
He also served as a federal police officer in California, Arizona, and Utah until 2003, when a stroke forced him to retire.  John spent the last 10 years of his life teaching others how to live with dignity, love, and strength.  He was a true soldier to the end.
He was a High Priest in the LDS Church, and he served admirably in many callings and assignments.  John loved his Savior and the restored gospel.  Prior to joining the L.D.S. church, John was a Master Mason, like his father before him, which made him very proud.
John is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy, and by his daughters Shay Cornett (Greg), Casey Rockhill (Trevor), Shannon Zimmerman (John), and Kellie Sullivan; his sons Mac Cox (Jeanette), Josh Cox (Amber), Morgan Cox, Curtis Cox (Lauren), and William Sullivan (Jaycee); and his foster daughter Christina Easy.  John is also survived by his brother Frank Hinman, his sisters Barbara Hinman and Barbara Wasser, his loving and caring brothers- and sisters-in-law, 27 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren (with two more on the way).  John will be welcomed to the other side of the veil by his parents, his parents-in-law Warren and Fae McNeil, brother Paul R. Deutsch, brother-in-law Allen W. McNeil, granddaughter Jeanette Isabelle Cox, and son-in-law Ed Descamps.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Francis LDS Chapel, 387 W Last Frontier Lane, Francis, Utah, and on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at 12:00 PM at the Francis LDS Chapel.  Interment will follow in the Francis Cemetery under the direction of Crandall Funeral Home.
In John’s honor, please thank a soldier.