Bill (William Lawrence) Sullivan, 78, of Silex passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at SSM- Lake Saint Louis Hospital surrounded by his family.  Bill fought cancer as he continued to work hard each day enjoying driving his dump truck delivering rock.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 25th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Millwood KC Hall with a 2:00 pm memorial service with Father Mike Lydon officiating and Pastor Kenny Gamble giving the eulogy.  Burial will be immediately following at the Saint Alphonsus Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

A Celebration of Life will directly follow at High Point Ridge Venue, 957 Hwy E, Silex, MO.  This celebration will include some of Bill's favorite foods; roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, and of course, ice cream.

Bill was born at his parents home located where Central Elevator is now, on November 25, 1942, the 2nd of 7 children born to Dennis William and Mary Vivien (Mudd) Sullivan.  Bill spent his formative years in that same house, playing with his siblings, helping on the farm, and enjoying being the typical farm kid. He attended Saint Alphonsus Catholic School until his graduation from 8th grade.  He then entered Silex High School and graduated from there in May of 1960.  While in high school, Bill was involved in FFA, basketball and was happy to graduate. After graduation, Bill served his country.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force and honorably served from 1960 to 1964. He was stationed, among other places, Topeka, Kansas and Mountain Home, Idaho.  He came to love the landscape of those states. He often returned to soak up the beauty of his favorite places which he frequented on many family vacation trips in later years.
After his discharge Bill started raising hogs, cattle, farming and he got into the backhoe business. He also bought his first dump truck.
In 1970, Bill met Ellen when he drove a dump truck with her Dad and began eating lunch at her Dad's bar each day. Bill and Ellen Mae Hubbard were joined in marriage on June 12, 1971 at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church.  Bill and Ellen were blessed with over 50 years of marriage and celebrated that accomplishment with their three children and seven granddaughters this past June. Bill was a lifelong farmer. He never seemed to tire of "playing" in the dirt.  He was especially  fond of driving his tractor and hauling rock in his dump truck.  Bill was known for working hard and providing well for his family. Bill was proud of his farms as his life's work and his family as his life's fun. Bill always had a big smile on his face and never met a stranger. His ready smile and friendly manner welcomed both friend and stranger.  Many people mentioned that Bill was one of the first people they met when they came to Silex. In his younger years he met many people as he raised hogs, cattle and crops. As an older man, he was often found at the Kwik Store in Silex (Scotty's) where he'd strike up a conversation with old friends and strangers alike, young and old, as they came through the door.  Bill knew so many people and had a great memory for names and faces, if he didn't know you directly he'd make connections to you via family, friends, or places he knew.  Bill could always tell a good story. He loved to joke with people and often had a hard time being serious to the point that Ellen was known to tell him he wasn't as funny as he thought he was!
Bill had a soft spot for children and frequently treated them to candy or soda when encountering them at the Kwik Store.  Of course, his special favorites were his seven beautiful granddaughters.  He tried not to miss activities that they were involved in whether school, sports, or just something that each child loved. Bill would be there to support and cheer them on. Bill was a member of Pork Producers, Cattlemen's Association, Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and he served on the Silex School Board.

Bill is survived by his beautiful wife of 50 years, Ellen Sullivan of Silex, his children, son, Billy (Lawrence William), and wife Susan, his daughters, Jennifer Lee Klein and husband, Scott, and Jessica Denise Ponder, and husband, Richard, all of Silex.  His grandchildren, Alyssa Nicole Nicewarner and husband, Zach, and Riley Marie Sullivan, Rachel Lauren, Sydney Elizabeth, and Brooke Danielle Klein, and Jayden Rae and Joely Kate Prater.  He is also survived by his siblings Sharon Fredrick and husband Dan, of Phoenix, Sandra Witte of Troy, Mike Sullivan and wife, RoseAnn, of Silex and Jack Sullivan of Silex, and Maureen Lenk and husband, Steve, of Troy, his brothers-in-law, Leon Hubbard and wife, Pam of Winfield, David Hubbard and wife, Peggy of Silex, John Hubbard and wife, Debbie of Foley, and Jaime Hubbard and wife, Rhonda of Elsberry, sisters-in-law, Carolyn Hubbard, Joyce Taylor and husband Jim of Greenridge, and Sherry Miranda and husband, Ed of Tucson, Arizona, as well as many cousins,
nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kelly, his brothers-in-law Joe Witte and Mike Hubbard and his sister-in-law Roberta "Tootie" Sullivan.

Bill had many interests and things that he enjoyed doing. He loved a good meal and enjoyed going out to eat while sipping his favorite cold brew, Bud Light draft.  He enjoyed a good sports game, especially if one of his grandkids were participating. Holidays were always a grand time with Bill as he loved to be in the company of his large family.  Lately, dump trucking, mowing, brush-hogging and hi-lift work were among
his favorite activities.  He also made frequent calls for rescue when he would once again get stuck playing in the dirt.  However, Bill's most favorite thing of all was his family and friends for whom he had a tremendously strong love.  He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers: Memorials to Silex/Millwood Schools (Check made to Ellen Sullivan) or Central MO Honor Flight c/o McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO 63379

Family and Friends may sign the online guest book @www.mccoyblossomfh.com