John L. Sullivan Sr., CMSgt USAF (Ret.), a longtime resident of Bellevue, Neb., chief Sullivan passed away on March 13, 2022 at the age of 82. He was born on Jan. 12, 1940 in Mexico, and was preceded in death by his parents, William B. and Marguerite Sullivan and his loving wife, Brenda. He is survived by his son, John L. (Gwen) Sullivan, Jr.; daughter, Michelle L. (Pat) Fuller, all of Omaha, Neb.. He is also survived by grandchildren, Katherine, Mitchell, Cole, Colin and Anna; sister, Sandra Fike of Frisco, Texas.
A faithful and honorable Air Force veteran of 33 years, he retired in 1991 with the rank of chief master sergeant. He served overseas tours in Japan, Italy, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the Republic of South Vietnam. He accumulated over 12,000 flight hours aboard RC135, EC135, C130 and EC47 aircraft and flew 140 combat missions over South Vietnam. His military duties included airborne radio operator, drill instructor at Lackland Air Force Base, and first sergeant at Offutt AFB. In 1981 he was selected as the first commandant of the newly created Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership School at Offutt AFB. After retirement he worked at Wholesale Heating and Cooling Supply Company of Omaha for 20 years.
Per his wishes he will be cremated and asks no tears be shed, as he lived a long fulfilling life with his wife and wonderful family. God has been so good to him.
A mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, March 19, at 10:30 a.m. with fellowship to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 2302 Crawford St, Bellevue, Neb. Visitation was Friday, March 18 from. Private family interment at Calvary Cemetery. Full military honors provided by Offutt AFB Honor Guard. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Hospital.
