Gary Dean Sullivan, 72, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on the morning of March 31, 2026, surrounded by family, at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas.
He was born September 14, 1953, in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Glenn and Grace Howland Sullivan. He was the 13th child of 16 to be born from this union. Gary graduated from Horton High School in 1972. He joined the United States Air Force in 1974 and served the majority of his time in Iceland as part of motor pool. He obtained the rank of E-4 Sargent. After leaving the USAF in 1980, he went to work at the Lansing Correctional Facility as a corrections officer. He then held several jobs at both the Golden Eagle and Sac & Fox Casinos.
Gary was an avid KU Fan and loved to watch his beloved Jayhawks. He also liked to play games of chance at the local casinos during retirement. In earlier years, you could find Gary at the bowling alley. He enjoyed league play and playing in tournaments. He also loved to play card and board games with family.
Gary is survived by his siblings Jeannine Bechtold (Tom) of Leavenworth, Kansas; Glenda Butner of Atchison, Kansas; Reuben Sullivan and Walter Sullivan of Topeka, Kansas; Judy Hetz (Gene) of Atchison, Kansas; and Nellie Brockhoff of Fairview, Kansas. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Baby Boy Sullivan, Mervin Sullivan, Donald Sullivan, Ray Sullivan, Kathy Boaz, Daniel Sullivan, David Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, and Vivian Sullivan. Also preceding him are three sister-in-laws, Lavonne Sullivan, Linda Sullivan, Patricia Sullivan, and brother-in-law Richard Butner.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Prairie Home Cemetery, 3430 NW Menoken Rd, Topeka, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Midland Hospice House of Topeka, Kansas and can be sent in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas. A special message can be sent to family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com.
