Obituary of John F. "Fred" Sullivan

January 18, 1943 - January 21, 2026

Fred Sullivan passed away from complications of heart failure on January 21, 2026. He was 83 years old.

A lifelong resident of Woodville, Texas, Fred was an Eagle Scout who attended Southwestern University and The University of Texas, earning a master’s degree in history before returning to Woodville. He married Kaaren Sullivan in 1968 and began working full-time at Sullivan’s Hardware, the business established by F.B. “Sam” Sullivan, where they worked together until 1983. He was still managing the hardware store until his death, stating that the hardware store was what kept him active and engaged with the community.

Fred Sullivan was dedicated to his community, church, civic organizations, and family. He served as a founding member of the Tyler County Historical Commission, served on the Woodville ISD school board, and was well known as a member of the board of directors for the Tyler County Dogwood Festival, to which he had strong family ties that dated back to its founding. He was instrumental in establishing the Heritage Village Museum as a regional destination, preserving Southeast Texas history for generations to come. He was a leader in the Woodville Rotary Club, serving multiple terms as club president, and he had roles in the district Rotary leadership, organizing exchange trips for business leaders from all over the world. He firmly believed in the mission of Rotary to help others and live a life of service.

Fred was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, serving in multiple capacities of church boards. In recent years he was involved in establishing Hope United Methodist Church. He believed in showing his faith through practice, example, service, and inclusion.

He loved American history and visited Civil War sites, Presidents’ homes, and other places of historic significance, greatly admiring the civic contributions of Thomas Jefferson, the leadership of George Washington, and the moral integrity of Abraham Lincoln. He never stopped learning and never stopped teaching others about history through conversations and civic programs. He loved high school and college sports, in particular as a fan of the Woodville Eagles and Texas Longhorns. He had a passion for travel, he loved to talk to the people he met wherever he went, and he told terrific stories.

Fred Sullivan never said no when a task needed to be completed. He offered assistance, advice, and his time to numerous efforts to better his beloved hometown. He was a loyal friend, loving husband and father, and man who placed his faith in humanity’s ability to do good.

Fred Sullivan is preceded in death by parents Sam and Quaidie Sullivan and wife Kaaren Van Amburgh Sullivan.

He is survived by sister Martha Sullivan of Nacogdoches, Texas, and children Steven Sullivan and husband Brian Gluckman of Seattle, Washington; Elizabeth Sullivan of Austin, Texas; and Kathryn Sullivan and wife Kelsey Evezich of Denver, Colorado.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM at Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Woodville. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2026 in the Eagle Summit at Woodville High School.

In keeping with Fred’s dedication to service, in lieu of flowers, those seeking to honor him may make donations to Hope United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 503, Woodville, TX 75979, the Tyler County Dogwood Festival at P.O. Box 2151, Woodville, TX 75979, and Allan Shivers Library at 302 N. Charlton St., Woodville, TX 75979.

The family wishes to thank every member of the huge community of friends who’ve supported Fred for decades. He led a life of joy, love, purpose, humor, and strength because of his love for people and the impactful changes they can make together, and it’s a legacy that shall continue long after his passing.

Services are under the direction of Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Woodville, Texas.