Kenneth Dean Sullivan, 67, of rural Havana, Kansas passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2019 from injuries received in an accident.
He was born on December 19, 1951 at Independence, Kansas to Harold and Goldena (Eversole) Sullivan. Kenny grew up on the family farm in eastern Chautauqua County and attended grade school in Niotaze, Kansas, and went on to attend Caney Junior High and graduated from Caney Valley High School in 1969, he then attended Kansas State University, receiving his degree in Agronomy.
On June 5, 1971 he married Carla Folk at the Tyro Christian Church in Tyro, Kansas. Following their marriage they lived in Manhattan, Kansas while they both completed their degrees, after graduation they returned to rural Havana where Kenny farmed and ranched.
During his early years of farming, Kenny enjoyed being mentored by Russell Powell. As he grew older Kenny mentored several young people involved in agriculture in Chautauqua and Montgomery Counties. These opportunities evolved into long term friendships.
Kenny was a member of the Tyro Christian Church, where he served as the child security guard. He loved spending time on the farm, caring for his cows and improving the land. Ken’s hobbies included his catfish ponds and gardening with Carla. Ken started a labor of love when he and Carla designed and constructed their dream home which helped to host High School Reunions, large family gatherings, bible studies and hunting trips. He was known for being creative in his agriculture ventures, being the one of the first to raise Sunflowers in southeast Kansas. He also designed and brought to life the metal horse silhouettes that are located at the US 166/Hwy 75 intersection. One of Ken’s greatest gifts was the ability to sense need and be one of the first to offer assistance. His greatest joy though was spending time surrounded by his family and friends. He was especially fond of spoiling his only grandchild, Sullivan Max.
Survivors include his wife, Carla of the home; daughter, Micca Brown, husband, Craig and grandson, Sullivan; sister, Patty Fields, husband, Loyd, and their sons, Kelly Fields and wife, Sara and Shane Fields and wife, Marisha; brother-in-law, Richard Brant of rural Havana and his children, Juli Brant and Jason Brant and wife, Miranda; and brother-in-law, Richard Folk and wife, Debbie..
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Marianna Brant.
A Celebration of Kenny’s life will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at the Tyro Christian Church with Evangelist David Bycroft officiating.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Tyro Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in Kenny’s memory to the Caney Valley High School F.F.A. or Tyro Christian Church; contributions may be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com
David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.
