Wendall Sullivan

Sullivan, Wendall, died Nov. 24, 2013. Age 89 years. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Marilyn (nee Wiedeman), his four sons, Tim (Lisa), Kevin (Eileen), Brian (Lori), and Barry (Jennifer), and the grandfather of 11, Sean, Ryan, Brendan, Michael, Amy, Claire, Chelesa, Moira, Ann, Natalie, and Naomi. Wendall was born April 8, 1924 in Oklahoma City to Frank and Mamie Sullivan, the 3rd of 8 children, where he and his family survived the poverty of the Great Depression. He is survived by his four sisters, Katherine, Corrine, Helen, and Beverly, and his three brothers, Eddie, Bill, and Ralph predeceased him. Never having completed high school, he was drafted into the Army where he served in the Air Corps from 1943-1946 during WWII in the European theater. His skills as a flight radio operator put him in contact with many of the most important players int he Allied war effort, including the U.S. generals of the Supreme Allied Command and he was among the first Allied personnel to reach Berlin after it fell to the Allied forces. He was awarded four Bronze Stars for his exemplary service. After the war, Wendall moved to Cinti. and quickly completed his education-high school, college, and law school all in four years-and graduated from The University of Cinti College of Law in 1950. Hired at Western & Southern Life Insurance Co. in 1950, he rose to become the company's Chief Counsel and Executive Vice President & Secretary. He retired in 1988 after 38 years but continued to practice law at his own law office in Anderson Twp., with his wife Marilyn, until they both recently retired. At age 40, Wendall took up running and enjoyed many years of running with numerous people, including his sons. Long before distance running became popular, Wendall ran 17 marathons, including a personal best of 2:49 at the age of 49, and also completed a remarkable stretch of 30 consecutive weeks of at least 120 miles per week. He extolled the physical benefits of exercise and was one of the earliest runners to recognize the value of exercise as a potent stress reducer. When he was no longer able to run, Wendall became a frequent walker around Anderson Twp. walking several miles every day and later became a regular fixture at the Mercy Healthplex. Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Anderson Twp. on Sat. Nov. 30, at 10 AM. Friends and family will celebrate Wendall's life during a reception immediately following the Mass. T P WHITE & SONS Funeral Home serving the family.