Bobby Gene Sullivan

Bobby Gene “Bob” Sullivan, aged 87, passed away January 24th, 2020. A lifelong teacher and principal, he educated students across the state of Kentucky. He served as principal of Nancy High, Eubank High, and Pulaski County High School, as well as at Daniel Boone Elementary in Madison County. Starting 1977, he served in Somerset City Schools as principal at Porter Hopkins and Memorial Elementary schools until his retirement in 1994 . In 1985, he was recognized as Kentucky Education Association Administrator of the Year.Bob was respected by former students and faculty, and known for recalling the names of a long line of students and faculty members. Bob taught history earlier in his career, and later in life was an acknowledged expert on the history of Old Burnside. He was interviewed by Kentucky Public Television and continually shared stories with local community leaders and historians. His passion for the history of Burnside, resulted in the restoration of the Norman I Taylor home, a registered Kentucky Historical Home. Bob was born in Burnside, Kentucky on January 27, 1932. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy (June 1949-March 1953) as a Boatswain’s Mate Third Class(BM3). During the Korean Conflict, he was assigned as a gunner on the U.S.S Cassin Young. Upon discharge from the Navy, Bob returned to Burnside where he completed High School, followed by graduation from Lindsey Wilson College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. His passion for education led him to complete a Master’s Degree in Education at Eastern Kentucky University. Bob was a Deacon at First Baptist Church Somerset, a 50-Year Member of the Burnside Masonic Lodge, and a member of Phi Delta Kappa. Bob was married to the love of his life, the former Vivian Francis Walden for 56 years. Together they spent their lives serving children and the community. Bob was a beloved father to COL (R) Robert Patrick “Pat” Sullivan (Suzanne), grandchildren, Hillary Sullivan, PFC Robert P. Sullivan Jr. (Jessica), and Cameron Sullivan and a great-granddaughter, Heather Ann Klass and seven loved nieces and nephews, and nine great nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his son Heron Glen “Corky” Sullivan, and two granddaughters; Tabitha Sullivan, and Heather LeeAnn. Sullivan. A funeral service will be held at 2 PM Monday, January 27, 2020 at the chapel of Pulaski Funeral Home with Dr. French Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in Burnside Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post #38 Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Burnside Cemetery Fund C/o Pulaski Funeral Home P.O. Box 697 Somerset, Kentucky 42502. Visitation will be after 12 PM Monday, January 26, 2020 until time for services. Pulaski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.