Edward Sullivan

On December 1, 2017, Edward Patrick (Pat) Sullivan went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was 88 years of age. Born March 26, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania he was one of three sons (Pat, Joe and Jimmy) born to Elsie and Edmund Sullivan. He married Delores Ingram on January 12, 1952 and following 51 years of marriage, Delores preceded him in death in 2002.
Pat served in the United States Air Force for 30 years. He was among the Greatest Generation and loved and served his country. He served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Pat attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and was a First Sergeant in several squadrons that he was assigned to. Pat was a recipient of many military honors and recognitions. He was loved and respected among the ranks of both military enlisted and officers. Nobody outworked him and for those that served under him, they knew well that he expected the best and nothing less. They knew just as well that he cared about them personally and many have been blessed by his acts of serving, giving and encouragement.
Pat's love and devotion to Jesus Christ was the most important part of his life. Following a men's retreat (Walk to Emmaus) in 2000, Pat began a new relationship with His Lord that was vibrant, energetic, committed and never diminished. He could not speak the name of Jesus without tears of joy in his eyes. His Bible was truly his Daily Bread. He loved to sing songs of praise to his Lord and was always anxious to share a newly discovered song with his family. He regularly gave thanks and glory to God for His many blessings and gift of salvation. Pat was a servant who sought no recognition or attention. Pat did not just know about Jesus, he knew Him in an intimate and personal way. It was not possible to spend time with Pat without the name of Jesus entering the conversation in some way and the Joy of the Lord overflowed from him and touched anyone in his vicinity. He loved Jesus. Pat was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Abilene.
Pat's pride and joy was his family. He was proud of every child, grandchild and great grandchild. Praising and encouraging each was a daily joy for Pat. He had seven children and is survived by them: Kathie McFarland and husband James of Big Spring, Mike and wife Cindy of Abilene, Pat and wife Sherry of Lubbock, David of Alpine, Danny and wife Sherri of Dallas, Mark and wife Edwina of Mesquite, Shawn and wife April of Abilene. He had 16 grandchildren: Matthew, Michael, Justin, Kyndra, Tessa, Jamie, Kathleen, Eric, Kyle, Holly, Alyssa, Brianna, Hunter, Brett, Aiden and Ava. He had six great grandchildren: Reece, Ashyr, Darien, Quincy, Carson and Amelia. He is also survived by his brother Jimmy of Philadelphia.
The family takes great comfort in knowing that today Pat is with His Lord. When one thinks about the tears of joy he had when talking about Jesus, it is hard to imagine what it was like when Pat saw Him face to face and heard the welcome, "Well done, Pat. You have been a good and faithful servant."
There will be a memorial service celebrating the life of Pat Sullivan on Saturday December 9 at 1:30pm at the chapel of Beltway Park South, 4009 Beltway South in Abilene. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Abilene or Meals on Wheels in Abilene.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of the Big Country for the care and compassion extended to Pat in his final days.

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