John Michael “Mike” Sullivan, 79, of Colchester, passed away peacefully at his home on August 11, 2026. He was born on July 2, 1947, in Macomb to Ambrose and Margaret (Pardock) Sullivan.
After graduating from Macomb High School in 1965, Mike proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966-68, including service with the Honor Guard. Following his military service, Mike returned home, married Annette Shughart, and became the father of two children, Debra and Mark. Mike enjoyed spending weekends at the river with his family. In 1988, Mike met Candy Scanlan, who would become his life partner and remain by his side for the next 38 years. During those years, the two enjoyed spending time with friends, especially their Sunday Night group, traveling various places including the Ozarks, Hawaii, and several cruises, and becoming grandparents as their families grew. Mike was very proud of his grandsons.
Over the years, Mike wore many hats and worked a number of jobs, but several became especially important chapters of his life. He spent his days as manager of the bowling alley in the Western Illinois University Union while working evenings at the Shootin’ Shack in Macomb, which he co-owned. He later worked at College City Bowl in Macomb, for a number of years. In July 1989, Mike and a business partner opened Macomb Glass, Inc., and in 2002, Mike became its sole proprietor. Mike and his son Mark expanded and established a successful business over the years.
Mike and his friends enjoyed many years of bowling on the Wayland Ready Mix team along with the shenanigans they got into on the bowling trips. He loved when his son Mark was able to join in on the fun. They also attended many car races at Indianapolis, Bristol and Chicagoland.
Fishing and hunting were among Mike’s greatest pastimes. An avid gun collector and lifelong hunter, his love of the outdoors took him across the country and around the world to places he once never imagined he would have the opportunity to see, including Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, Colorado, New Mexico, Maine, South Dakota, and Canada. Those adventures gave Mike countless stories, cherished life-long friendships and memories that he carried with him throughout his life, and he was always planning his next trip.
Mike was a proud U.S. veteran and being selected in July 2025 to go on the Greater Peoria Honor Flight to Washington D.C. was a deeply meaningful and cherished experience for him to share with his son Mark.
Mike leaves behind many broken hearts and a lifetime of memories. He is survived by his life partner of 38 years, Candy Scanlan, of Colchester; his son, Mark (Gretchen) Sullivan, of Colchester; his “favorite oldest grandson,” Connor Sullivan, of Macomb, and his “favorite youngest grandson,” Andrew Sullivan, of Colchester; two brothers, John Sullivan, of Plymouth, and Steve Sullivan, of Astoria; one nephew, Matthew Sullivan, of Chillicothe; one niece, Nicole (Jimmy) Toliver, of Chillicothe; great nieces and nephews, Lillian Sullivan, Gavin, Colin and Blake Toliver, all of Chillicothe; son-in-law Mark Dierker of Dubuque, IA; Candy’s daughters Teresa (Richard) Friedman of Missouri City, TX and Tammy Scanlan (Todd Knowles) of Macomb; Candy’s granddaughters Ceair Knowles, of Macomb, Sophie Friedman (Trenton Smith) of Chicago, and Emma Friedman of Missouri City, TX. He is also survived by several cousins and friends whom Mike held in the highest regard.
Mike was preceded in death by his daughter Debra Sullivan, his parents, Ambrose and Margaret Sullivan, and his brother John’s life partner Betty Shyrack.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial service will be at 1 pm on Tuesday, August 18 at Dodsworth Funeral Home in Macomb. Visitation with the family will be from 4 - 6 pm on Monday, August 17 at the funeral home. Burial and full military rites will immediately follow the memorial service at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Macomb. Memorials can be made to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, Macomb VFW, or Macomb American Legion.
Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www. dodsworthfh.com
