Derek Jay Sullivan
Derek Jay Sullivan
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Derek Sullivan Obituary
Born in Kennett, Missouri on September 15, 1967, Derek relocated to Pasadena, Texas in 1981. He cultivated a successful career in sales and took great pride in his innate ability to read people. Known for his larger-than-life personality, quick-witted humor, and candid nature, Derek had a lifelong love affair with baseball caps, Diet Coke, Copenhagen dip, Sweetarts candy, and Irish Spring soap. He was famous for his playful spirit, excelling at pranks, barbecuing, collecting tools, and wearing flip-flops year-round. He had a distinct disdain for debt collectors, politicians, preachers, cats, and being wrong about anything.
Derek took enormous pride in his children, grandchildren, granddogs, and, of course, his beloved Dobermans. He was an incredible father, grandfather, and friend to all walks of life. A man of principle, he shared life lessons rooted in bravery, self-accountability, and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on those lucky enough to have known him. He was surrounded by people who loved him deeply and will be missed tremendously.
Derek is survived by his beloved partner, Cynthia Jones; his daughter and son-in-law, Shelby (Sullivan) Seely and Eric Seely; his son and daughter-in-law, Randall Sullivan and Nicole Faubel; his cherished grandchildren, Nora Seely, Alina Sullivan, and Luca Sullivan; and his grandchildren-by-heart, Caydence Carroll and Luke Carroll. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Brenda (Warren) Sullivan.
A private celebration of Derek's life will be held on October 29, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that photos, memories, and stories be shared about Derek to help create a memory book for his grandchildren, so they can know their grandfather as they grow older.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Nikki Skidmore Lawrence
October 29, 2024
I can´t remember life without Derek. He would make me laugh until I cried, usually when we were in places where it was not appropriate to be laughing! We spent a lot of time "in trouble", and I´m positive it was his fault
Derek taught me valuable skills like "how to trick your momma into thinking you brushed your teeth". It didn´t work, but it was worth a try.We once had a great time "flying" off a concrete 1/2 wall with bath towels tied around our necks until our moms caught us. We had fun doing lots of things unless Scott was down for a visit, then they ganged up on me. For some reason, I still loved them anyway
Derek helped me with my homework and I specifically remember him helping me learn to multiply.
Even though he loved to inform me that all my teen pop-singer crushes were on drugs (which infuriated me), I know he loved me.
Glenn Beck
October 29, 2024
I took Derek Trout fishing for the first time; we didn't catch anything however, we stopped and had hamburgers and fries and spent some time talking and getting to know each other.
Chelsey Walker
October 28, 2024
If you met and or knew Derek, then you definitely had anything between a smile to a full blown belly chuckle laughing moment with him, at some point! He was full of life, sarcastic but still serious at the same time. He is definitely a precious soul gone too soon.
Shirley Pennell
October 28, 2024
I met Mr. Sullivan once at his Granddaughters birthday party. Love can be described so many ways, but the love you saw in his eyes for his Granddaughter Nora and his Daughter Shelby was nothing I have ever seen before. You saw the presence of his love throughout the room for them, and you felt just how proud he was of both of them. Love like this is a love you hold on to forever, it last through time and space. My prayers and thoughts are with you Shelby, Nora and Eric. We love you.
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