Clarence Eugene “Gene” Sullivan

Clarence Eugene “Gene” Sullivan took his last breath on March 20, 2023, fulfilling his final wishes of spending his final days in the comfort of his home in Waco, Texas. He was 91. In his last few months, he was surrounded and cared for by family with the help of Compassus Hospice and Right at Home.

Graveside Service:  11am Saturday, April 15, 2023 at China Spring Cemetery with Rev. Sue Milam officiating.

Gene was born on July 11, 1931 to Clarence Monroe Sullivan and Frances Lucille Smith Sullivan in Waco, Texas. He attended both Waco High School and McGregor High School, and graduated with a GED.

Gene joined the United States Navy and served four years as a 3rd Class Petty Officer during the height of the Korean War. He specialized in Navigation and Communications and possessed impressive skills that are rare in today’s society such as communicating via Morse Code and navigating the open waters via celestial navigation.

After his time in the U.S. Navy, he went to work for the City of Waco Fire Department. He served as a first responder from 1953 until 1978. He served at all the stations in McLennan County and was the first firefighter assigned to operate the Snorkel when it arrived in Waco. After 24 years of service, Gene retired as Lieutenant. Towards the end of 2022, Gene’s granddaughter, Chelsea, scheduled a tour for him at the Waco Fire Department (Stations 1 and 5) where he was able to relive his firefighting days and see all the new modifications and advancements made since his retirement. This would be one of his last big outings and he enjoyed it so much.

After an early retirement from the Waco Fire Department, he turned his focus to his construction business. From 1965-2008, C. E. Sullivan Homes constructed and developed many residences and buildings in the Waco area, the most notable being Village Green Homes and Riverbend Shopping Center. He served as President of the Heart of Texas Builders Association for one year in 1980.

Gene took a short detour between 1981 and 1983 and moved to Midland, establishing Foremost Builders during a building boom. During that time, He continued to develop in Waco from afar, putting up five apartment buildings, two shopping centers, an elementary school in Meridian, and many homes in China Spring, Waco, & Hewitt. He took pride in his family owned and operated businesses scattered around the Waco area such as JJ’s Beauty Salon, Clip ‘n Tan and the Yogurt Store.

Gene was a passionate card player and spent his free time visiting Bossier and Shreveport with his beloved wife Bobbie, both giving the poker machines a run for their money. WinStar became a quick favorite with a shorter trip and a free ride from his daughter Brenda, who also happened to inherit a love for the casino.

Gene, or as his grandkids called him, “Paw Paw”, will be forever remembered and truly missed. The holidays will never be the same, but his family is grateful to carry on his turkey and dressing legacy.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Monroe Sullivan, mother, Lucille Smith Sullivan; brothers Bobby Joe Sullivan, Jerry Sullivan and Jimmy Sullivan; first wife, Novaleen Berry Sullivan, and second wife, Bobbie Fain Sullivan.

Gene is survived by his two daughters, Brenda Roberts (Randall) and Terry Sherman; three stepdaughters, Cindy Keeth (Randy), Dianne Passek and Lisa Neckar; five grandchildren, Chelsea Roberts, Mallory Roberts Eskew (Dustin), Joshua Sherman, Cassidy Kleine (Kendall), and Rachel Belviso (Mario); and one great-granddaughter, Kylar Kleine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gene’s memory can be made to Compassus Hospice, 6801 Sanger Avenue, Suite 190, Waco, TX 76710 (www.compassus.com) or Right at Home, 605 Towne Oaks Dr # B, Waco, TX 76710 (www.rightathome.net/central-texas).

Place of Service: China Spring Cemetery , 15654 Old China Spring Rd,; China Spring, TX 76633