Michael Hugh Sullivan

Michael Hugh Sullivan has passed April 3rd, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born December 7th, 1946 in San Francisco, California.

Mike served in the Air Force, he was a Sergeant and his duties included work as a mechanic working on helicopters. He was shot and wounded in Vietnam while attempting to save his mortally wounded pilot and carry him to safety after the helicopter crashed. While in the Air Force, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After discharging from the military, he lived in Perry, Iowa where he sold cars and started a family with Ruth Lynn Gruwell Holder. He briefly lived in Ottumwa, Iowa before moving to Des Moines. There he worked for and eventually owned Welling's used cars. He had a strong reputation of being honest and fair. During his later years he was at Town and Country auto.

He had enjoyed many years of love and joy with his life partner Judith Soutter.

Mike enjoyed camping, boating, BBQs, cooking, golfing, Elvis, Vegas, and racing. He raced funny cars a few times down in Eddyville in his early adult years. His boat was named "The Irish Lady" During the '80's he always drove a Corvette, one from the 60's, one from the 70's, and one from the 80's.

Mike was a devoted stepfather of three children. He loved his dogs very much.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Pelikan Sullivan, his father, Hugh Sullivan; and stepdaughter, Kelly Dooley.

He is survived by his life partner, Judith Soutter; stepson, Dean Gruwell and stepdaughter, Lori Gruwell.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic memorial services will not be held. Please feel free to add your memories of Mike to his Hamilton page.

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