Don Leslie Sullivan

Don Leslie Sullivan crossed over peacefully at his home in Nampa, Idaho on March 2, 2025 at the age of 101 from natural causes. He was born June 25, 1923 in Madill, Oklahoma, the son of Silas Gertrude and Alice Glee Sullivan. Don graduated from high school in Madill at the age of 16. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Coast Guard/Navy and served for 3 years during and after WWII.
Don worked at the Union Pacific Railroad for most of his adult life and retired as the Superintendent of the Nampa, Idaho Terminal. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors and the beauty of nature. He golfed until he was in his mid-nineties and even made a hole in one at age 89! He enjoyed walking and stayed physically active his entire life.
Don loved and was deeply devoted to his wife, Betty, for over 51 years. She was his true love and the light of his life. Her care and sense of adventure almost certainly added years to his life. As a couple, they touched so many lives and people truly loved them. You couldnt go into a restaurant in Nampa with them without several people coming over to greet them and exchange hugs. They could also cut quite a rug whenever the occasion presented itself. Some of Dons best memories were from the cruises they took all over the world with their daughter, Linda, and her husband, Dave.
Don was extremely grateful for each day he was given and for the wonderful life he was privileged to live. He had a great sense of humor and when he threw his head back and laughed, it was definitely contagious! He was especially proud of the fact that at 101 and 1/2 years of age, he still had a valid drivers license and passport!
In 2023, family members from all over the United States gathered at the Elks Lodge in Nampa, Idaho to celebrate Dons 100th Birthday and Don and Bettys 50th Wedding Anniversary. It was truly a memorable occasion for all those in attendance, and Don and Betty even shared a dance that evening to the song "Could I Have This Dance" (For the Rest of My Life).
Don loved each of his 8 children from their blended family, and he had a special relationship with each one of them, as well as with their spouses. He also enjoyed and loved his many grandchildren. He was a truly loving man and was a blessing to all who knew him. His life was a rich and rewarding one truly "a life well lived."
He was preceded in death by his parents, Silas (1968) and Glee (1987); his 8 siblings: 5 brothers, JD, Eckie, Lionel (Brick), Bob, Jerry, and 3 sisters, Hortense, Bonnie, Carrie; a son, Michael, and many other family members.
Don leaves behind his loving wife, Betty; 7 children: Lance Sullivan (Barbara), Donnita Richardson (Rob Liechty), Fred Genton, Gayle Henry (Chris), Linda Vale (Dave Muzzin), Mari Knutson (Marv), and Tami Genton; 17 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren. His legacy of love, laughter, and generosity of spirit will live on within the hearts of the many people who loved him. He will be deeply missed. Our loss is Heavens gain.
No Memorial Service is scheduled at Dons request.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Nampa Elks Lodge #1389 in Nampa, Idaho. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Don, please visit our Tree Store.