Joseph Sullivan

Joseph Sullivan, 89, of Kansas City, MO passed away August 30, 2014 at his home with his daughter by his side. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4 at Muehlebach Funeral Home, 6800 Troost Ave, KCMO; and the rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:00 a.m. Friday, September 5 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 3934 Washington St, KCMO. Interment will be 12:30 Friday at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Disabled American Veterans (DAV)or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Joseph was born January 28, 1925, the son of William and Nellie (Morrissey) Sullivan, in Kansas City, KS. He attended Bishop Ward High School, but before he could finish, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was part of the 5th 105 mm Howitzer Battalion. He served as a Field Artillery Fire Control Man in the Pacific Rim from 1943 to 1945. Along with his other participation in combat, he was part of the first units to occupy Japan in September 1945; and was honorably discharged in 1946. He then joined the Marine Reserves with the rank of Corporal. While in the Reserve at age 22, Joseph completed his high school diploma. He was the second oldest in the Class of 1947. Joseph reenlisted in the Marine Corps in 1948 during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in March 1952. Joseph was awarded the Purple Heart while wounded in action during the Wonsoan-Hungnam-Chosin Campaign in Korea November 30, 1950. He achieved the rank of Sergeant in 1951 prior to being discharged. Following his military service, he began working for the Missouri Gas Service Company until his retirement after 35 years of service.

He is preceded in death by his three brothers and two sisters, Richard, John, Robert, Elizabeth and Helen. He is survived by his daughter of the home, Brenda Sullivan; niece, Mary Louise Roper and husband B. Paul; niece, Rose Marie Epperson and husband Clyde; nephew, Daniel Sullivan and wife Lisa; nephew, J. Michael Sullivan and wife Julie; and his numerous loving relatives.