01/12/2006
Richard Dean Sullivan was born on Nov. 5, 1926, in Knoxville. He was one of three
sons born to Ina Lorene Litchfield and Leon William Sullivan.
Richard grew up in
the Knoxville area and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1944. At the young
age of 17, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps; serving for two years
during World War II.
On June 3, 1949, Richard Dean Sullivan married Bonnie Lee Galvin. They had four
children. They lived on one farm south of Pleasantville for a year before moving to
their current home. Richard loved the land and was always a farmer at heart.
In
addition to his farming, Richard owned and operated Sullivan Electric. He worked
full-time until December 2005 when he became too ill to continue.
Richard loved to hunt and fish. He was also an Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan.
Richard was a lifetime, 59-year member of the Pleasantville American Legion Post
#108. He was also a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Pleasantville.
Richard Dean Sullivan died on Jan. 12, 2006, at his home at the age of 79.
Preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers, Gene and Roger (Nicki) Sullivan
and a daughter-in-law, Ruth Sullivan.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Bonnie of Knoxville; one daughter and son-in-law,
Patti and Dave Ackerson of Knoxville; three sons, Michael Sullivan of Reasnor, Tim
Sullivan of Knoxville and Terry Sullivan and his wife, Rene of Knoxville; five grandchildren;
one great-grandson and another on the way as well as many other relatives and friends.
A celebration of Life was held for Richard Dean Sullivan on Jan. 16 with Pastor
Jeffrey Flagg officiating.
Interment was in Lincoln Cemetery. Military honors were given at the cemetery by
the American Legion Post #108 of Pleasantville and the United States Marine Casualty
Assistance Corps.