Dr. Kenneth Dale "Kenny" Sullivan

Dr. Kenneth "Kenny" Dale Sullivan, of Cape Girardeau, MO, passed away at the age of 69 in St. Louis, MO, on May 10, 2025. Born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Kenny was the son of George M. and Gladys L. Sullivan. As the child of a decorated U.S. Army Green Beret, Kenny spent his early years traveling between North Carolina, Germany, and Okinawa; experiences that shaped his adventurous and resilient spirit.
After graduating from high school in North Carolina in 1973, during the Vietnam era, Kenny proudly joined the U.S. Navy. He completed boot camp in Orlando and trained as a Dental Technician in San Diego before being stationed in Okinawa.
Kenny pursued higher education with characteristic determination, earning a degree in Psychology from East Carolina University and later graduating from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1989. During his career, he cared for patients across multiple states, including Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Missouri, with his most recent practice in Cape Girardeau, MO. He always prioritized kindness and genuine care with his patients.
Kenny had a deep love for music and was rarely seen without a guitar in hand. He filled countless rooms with sounds from the Beatles, CCR, and other classic rock and classic country artists. He loved spending time with his family-whether relaxing by his pool, enjoying quiet moments at home with his wife, or large holiday gatherings. Those times meant the most to him. He will be remembered for his warmth, sense of humor, and the meaningful connections he built with those around him.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Margarete Sullivan; his daughter Amy Smith (Brian); his granddaughter Breanna Smith (Grayson); his stepchildren Marcy Cash, Jamie Barrett (Bill), Dennis Acker Jr., Matt Ahnen (Anessa), and Jeff Ahnen (Courtney); his step-grandchildren James, Katie, Alex, Sam, Scott, Tyler, Max, Isaak, Kassie, Macy, Jacob, Leo, Nolan, and Miles; his great-grandchildren Estella and Sterling; and his step-great-grandchildren Kaylee, Jimmy, Kira, Ainsley, Kendall, Cash, and Anthony; his brother Gary (Edith) Sullivan and sister Shirley (Mike) Harkey.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, George; and his stepson-in-law, Michael Cash.
Kenny often said there was no better feeling in life than laughing and he brought that same joy to everyone lucky enough to know him. His warmth, humor, and music will echo forever in the hearts of those he loved.