Robert Eugene “Bob” Sullivan, 84, of Carrollton, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on June 5, 2026.
Born on February 15, 1942, in Carroll County, Missouri, Bob was the son of Virgil and Louise (Link) Sullivan. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Carrollton High School in 1960 as a member of the first graduating class to attend the new high school building.
Bob learned the value of hard work at an early age while farming alongside his father in the Sugar Tree and Wakenda bottoms. The lessons learned there remained with him throughout his life.
On June 20, 1964, he married the love of his life, Mary Lou Beard. Together they built a family rooted in faith, love, and commitment, sharing nearly 62 years of marriage.
Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves as a Medical Corpsman, attaining the rank of Specialist, and was honorably discharged on May 25, 1967.
Throughout his life, Bob remained active in his community. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 414, was a member of the Pork Producers Association, and the Carrollton Booster Club. He also enjoyed his work with the residents of the Higginsville Habilitation Center.
Family was the center of Bob’s life. Known lovingly as “Papa Bob,” he took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and treasured every opportunity to support and encourage them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Louise Sullivan; his son, Chris Sullivan, in 2010; his sister, Betty Ann Burfeind; and his great-grandson, Camden Sullivan.
He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Lou Sullivan; his children, Brian (Jamie) Sullivan, Craig Sullivan, and Cassie (Curtis) Kemble; his sister, Nancy (Thom) Davidson; his grandchildren, Tarah (Bryan) Hilbrenner, Skylar Clark, Keaton (Cecily) Sullivan, Tori (David) Scharff, Abby (Ian) Orr, Luke Sullivan, Laci Sullivan, Carli Kemble, and Calli Kemble; and his great-grandchildren, Julia Hilbrenner, Evelyn Sullivan, and Rory Scharff, with two additional great-grandchildren expected soon.
A faithful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend, Bob will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his devotion to his faith and family, his service to his community, and the example he set for future generations. His legacy lives on in all those who were blessed to know and love him.
The Rosary will be conducted at 11:45 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Carrollton, Missouri, with the family receiving friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Church.
The funeral mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Burial will be in the Street Family Cemetery, near Bogard, Missouri.
Pallbearers will be Brian Sullivan, Craig Sullivan,, Keaton Sullivan, Luke Sullivan, Curtis Kemble and Bryan Hilbrenner,
Honorary pallbearers will be David Scharff and Ian Orr.
The family suggests contributions be made to the Street Family Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bittiker Funeral Home, Carrollton, Missouri.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
