Wilbur C. (Webb) Sullenger 1918-2010
Aug 18, 2010 | Obituaries |
Wilbur C. (Webb) Sullenger, 91 of Gallatin, passed away Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010, at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Cameron. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 at McWilliams Funeral Home in Gallatin. Family visitation will be Tuesday evening 6–8pm at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gallatin United Methodist Church stained glass fund, or the Gallatin First Christian Church building fund, in care of the funeral home.
Webb was born Oct. 26, 1918, to William Andrew and Effie (O’Dell) Sullenger in Excelsior Springs, Mo. He graduated from Excelsior Spring High School and started his working career at the Safeway Grocery Store in Kansas City, Mo. Webb proudly served his country in the US Army enlisting in 1942. He was stationed in New Guinea and due to an injury he was retired from the military in 1945, as a first lieutenant. Webb was united in marriage to Jean Smith in 1945, in San Francisco, Calif. The couple moved to Kingston, Mo. where Webb and his brother, Glenn, opened the Sullenger Brothers Hardware. In 1950, Webb and Jean left the hardware business and moved to Gallatin where they purchased the International Harvester dealership. In 1954, Webb built a new building on Grand Street and continued to work and grow in the implement industry. Due to a growing business in September of 1982, he relocated Gallatin Truck and Tractor to a new building east of Gallatin. Webb spent tireless and selfless hours building his business, and served his customers in any capacity that was needed. He could have an engaging conversation with anyone. In 1984, Webb retired from Gallatin Truck and Tractor but looked forward to his daily visits to the shop. With retirement, his recreation became the farm that he purchased in 1973, east of Jameson. Webb made daily visits to the farm to check on his cattle and the crops.
Webb was a member of the United Methodist Church in Gallatin, a 50 year member of the Gallatin Lions Club, and a long time member of the Gallatin VFW Post 2172. He was also a member of the Southwestern Dealers Association.
Webb loved to travel and had been all over the world. Jean could always find Webb in a crowd with his red International hat on. In 2005, he enjoyed taking all of his family on an Alaskan Cruise, a trip that was treasured by all. He was a season ticket holder of the Chiefs and enjoyed going to the games. Through the years Webb acquired many nicknames, Sully, a name that his army buddies gave him; "Sully’s Gully," referring to his lot at the Lake of the Ozarks; Paco, a name that his grandchildren loved to call him; and the most famous of all "Webb". He was a pillar in the community, a man who established roots and dedicated his life to serving customers and his family. Webb truly was a servant who loved people and in return they loved him. His devotion to his family was evident and his zest for life will live on through them.
Webb was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean on April 20, 1986, and his brother, Glenn Sullenger.
Webb is survived by his son, John Sullenger and wife Mary of Gallatin, daughter, Pam McNeel of Overland Park, Kan., grandchildren, Ryan McNeel and wife Jennifer of Midland, Texas, Amy Heldenbrand and husband Travis of Gallatin, Mo. and Kara Gutierrez and husband Jaime of Liberty, Mo.. Webb has three great-grandchildren, Brock and Hudson McNeel and Paige Heldenbrand, and a host of friends.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcwilliamsfuneralhomes.com
