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Thomas M. Sullivan

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Columbia College University of Missouri

Thomas Sullivan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 29, 2009.

Sullivan, Thomas M. 1944-2009, age 64, died April 15, 2009. Born June 13, 1944, in Louisville, Kentucky. Son of Paul and Martha Sullivan. He was married to Mary Jane Chase Sullivan on August 6, 1970, in St. Louis. She preceded him in death. He attended elementary and secondary schools in Kansas City, Missouri. Received B.A. degree in English from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1965. Received M.A. degree in European History from University of Missouri-Columbia in 1967. Completed all requirements, except dissertation, for Ph.D. in European History from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was employed in Washington D.C. by both the National Security Agency and the United States Senate. In 1977, he founded the Missouri Senate Research Staff which he directed until 1985. Served as both Director of Policy Development and Deputy Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development from 1985 until 1999. Beginning in 1986, he served continuously as an adjunct instructor of European History at Columbia College in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was a member of both the Missouri Job Training Coordinating Council and the Missouri Training and Employment Council. In his free time, Tom enjoyed running, watching Missouri Tiger football, rose gardening, reading Faulkner, and listening to Beethoven. They have two children: Courtney C. Sullivan of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Thomas M. Sullivan, Jr., of San Francisco, California. His parents and one brother, John D. Sullivan, preceded him in death. Services: A memorial servicewas held at Parker Funeral Service, 22 N. 10th Street, Columbia MO on Saturday April 25th at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.parker funeralservice.com.

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Recent Activity

April 23, 2009

Dave Tishendorf posted to the memorial.

April 23, 2009

Bill Langenbacher posted to the memorial.

April 23, 2009

Eva Yeager posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Dave Tishendorf

April 23, 2009

Courtney and family: So sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts are with you.

Tom and I met in 1962 at the University of Missouri and immediately became good friends. In 1964 we moved off campus to an apartment with two other friends for our senior year. After graduation we went our separate ways but reunited in the late '60s early '70s when we both worked briefly for the U.S. Senate.

Tom was a brilliant student and an exceptionally fine person and friend. He had an outrageous sense of humor and a very sharp wit. I count him as one of the closest and best friends I have ever had. Unfortunately, as often happens, we eventually fell out of touch after we left Washington, D.C., and did not get back in touch until just a few months ago when we exchanged emails. Our plan was to get together this fall for a Missouri football game.

I will miss him.

Bill Langenbacher

April 23, 2009

Tom and Courtney: I am very sorry to hear about your Dad. Tom and I first met and soon became friends in 1962 in our sophomore year at the University of Missouri. We both moved off campus in the fall of 1964 and became roommates along with 2 other mutual friends. We shared many laughs and many good times. Tom and I went our separate ways after graduation from college, but we reconnected about 3 years ago and I think Tom enjoyed the Mizzou football game we went to 2 years ago and our emails back and forth (I know I enjoyed becoming reacquainted). Tom was a very good person and I will miss him. I will not be able to attend the memorial service on Saturday, but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
You can email me at [email protected] if you wish.

Eva Yeager

April 23, 2009

Courtney and family,
Tom was my coworker and instructor at Columbia College, Jefferson City Campus. He was an excellent instructor who had an excitement for history that was contagious. Courtney, he was very proud of you and would mention you to us frequently, letting us know where your education was taking you. He also often mentioned his dog, McDuff! Tom Sullivan was a warm and welcoming person and he will be missed. Grace to you and your family.

Shawna Helton

April 23, 2009

Courtney - I knew you and your dad from Columbia College in Jefferson City, MO. Your dad was the only instructor I ever had who made me interested in history - because of his passion for it himself. He was a good man, and he will be missed by many. God bless you.

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Ed and Elyse Steinmann

April 23, 2009

Tom and Couurtney,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. We thought it strange that we didn't hear back from him at Christmas.
Courtney , so sorry I have lost touch with you. Please e-mail or call me when you can. [email protected] or 573-699-4705.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you both. We will be out of town Sat.and will not make the memorial service. So sorry. We will be thinking of you both.

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