Obituary of Warren Clark Sullivan

Warren Clark Sullivan, born on April 11, 1928, left this world on his 85th birthday, April 11, 2013, peacefully at home after a long battle with congestive heart failure. He was born as a fourth generation Washingtonian to Esther (Bassett) Sullivan and Clark (Sarcazonoff ) Sullivan in Centralia. “Sully” loved this area he always referred to as “God’s Country.” Whether it was going to the mountains to camp and hunt, or going to Ilwaco and Alaska to fish with his dear friend Mel Bluhm, he was always happiest when he was outside enjoying his favorite pastimes. After graduation from Chehalis High School in 1946, where he excelled at playing football, Sully joined the United States Marine Corps. His service ended in 1947 when he returned to Centralia to attend college and continue playing football. He married Virginia “Ginny” Rector in 1948 and they had five children, Vickie, Jeff, Diane, Tammy and Jonelle. He was reactivated to the Marine Corps in 1950, served as a demolition instructor and played football for the USMC. When his active duty ended in 1953, he returned to Centralia but remained in the reserves for five additional years. Sully was a firefighter with the Centralia Fire Department for 18 years. During that time, he owned a chimney sweep business. After leaving the fire department, he partnered with Dick Evans at Pacific Neon Sign Co., which later included steel buildings. After the death of Ginny in 1969, he married Dorothy “Dotty” Grady in 1971. In 1975, he built the Pacific Pearl Cannery in Kodiak, Alaska. He and Dotty moved to Napavine in 1977, where he opened the Napavine Cabinet Shop, grew Cascade Berries and enjoyed years of growing vegetable and flower gardens. Upon his retirement, he began delivering ambulances for his good friends, Jack and Linda Braun of Braun Northwest, to destinations from Alaska to Maine. In 2005, Sully was reacquainted with a classmate from Chehalis High School, Viki Roberts, and courted her with his charming ways. She succumbed to his gentle nature and a loving relationship was born. They enjoyed years of travel with each other and Viki has been what has kept Sully going these past months. Known by his friends as a man’s man, Sully was honest, loving and hardworking. A handshake meant more to him than a contract of any kind. He was a member of the Centralia and Chehalis Eagles, Centralia Elks Club and Centralia Lions Club. He was President of the Babe Ruth Baseball League in the 1960s. Sully was preceded in death by his wife, Ginny, in 1969; his wife, Dotty, in 1994; son-in-law, Ken Obrist, in 1997; daughter, Jonelle Medlock, in 2002; mother, Esther, in 2005; and grandson, Ken “Chuck” Obrist, in 2008. Sully is survived by Viki at home; children, Vickie (John Withers) of Napavine, Jeff (Kari) of Colorado, Diana of Tacoma, Tammy (John Clark) of Lake Tapps; 13 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Other family members include four stepchildren, Rowland “Rolly” Dawkins (deceased), Keith Grady, John (Sandy) Grady, Christy Grady; and their children. Sully leaves behind many friends and family who will miss him greatly, including Mel and Jean Bluhm, Ray and Judy Podmore, Jack and Linda Braun, Claire Hamilton, and Don and Lisa Grunenfelder. The family would like to thank Hospice for the care given him in the end of life. Viki was a great comfort to him for those eight years, and there are no words to express the gratitude we feel for her love and care she unconditionally gave to our dad. At his request, there will be no services. He will be inurned at Napavine Cemetery and will be honored for his military service at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. Godspeed Dad. We will see you on the other side. Love, your family. Please leave memories of Sully or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.