John L. Sullivan, 101, passed away on June 14, 2021, at his home in Rankin, Ellis County, Texas.  John L. was born February 21, 1920, to C.R. and Annie Myrtle Leysath Sullivan, in Byrd, Texas.  He was born, lived his life, and died on his family farm in the Byrd-Rankin community.  He attended school in Rankin, Waxahachie, and Bardwell, graduating from Bardwell High School in 1937.  He went on to attend George Pepperdine College in Los Angeles, California, as a member of the original class of students.

John L. married Martha Fred Idlett on November 4, 1939, officiated by L.V. Nobles on the Nobles Ranch in Burnett, Texas.  They were married 53 years and had 7 children together.  After her death, he married Wanda McElroy McCormack, October 8, 1993, officiated by Joe Bonn Baisden at the Belton Church of Christ, Belton, Texas.  They were married 27 golden years.

John L. was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.  He was a minister for 75 years, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ at various congregations in Ellis and surrounding counties, including Rankin, Bardwell, Garrett, and Ennis, Texas.  He delivered sermons at countless gospel meetings, performed many baptisms, and officiated numerous weddings and funerals.  He loved preaching and passed that love on to others, mentoring several young men who became preachers.  He also served on the Board of Trustees at Oklahoma Christian University.

John L. was a farmer his entire life, as well, striving to be innovative and forward-thinking, working on his family farm.  He was especially good at grafting pecan trees and was affectionately referred to as a "pecan guru" by family and friends.

John L. was preceded in death by his parents, one grandchild, and his brother, Wayne Sullivan. He is survived by his wife, Wanda; his children, J. Larry Sullivan and wife, Rebecca; Linda Beakley and husband, Bob; Jeri Orr and husband, Roland; Jeanne Graham; Jim Sullivan and wife, Carma; David Sullivan and wife, Terri; Bill Sullivan and wife, Lisa; 21 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 6:00-8:00 P.M., at J.E. Keever Mortuary, Ennis, Texas. A graveside service for family will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021, 10:00 A.M., in Elm Branch Cemetery, Bardwell, Texas, under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary.  Jack Hodge will officiate.  Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Wes Sullivan, Brad Beakley, Steven Beakley, Brett Orr, Robert Graham, Andrew Sullivan, Preston Sullivan, and Pierce Tignor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of personal preference.

Submitted by family