David Lynn Sullivan, 88, of Breckenridge, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 16. His funeral service was held at the First Christian Church in Breckenridge at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, with Cade Sullivan officiating. The family welcomed friends at a visitation in the Melton-Kitchens Chapel of Memories on Friday, Feb. 18. He was laid to rest in the Woodson Cemetery under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.

David was born May 15, 1933, in Lusk, Texas, to parents Charlie and Hazel Sullivan. David graduated from Woodson High School as valedictorian in 1950. He then attended Ranger Jr. College, where he played two years of football and received the Jimmy Crowley Memorial Award as well as being voted as Mr. RJC. David then graduated from McMurry University in 1955. While at McMurry, he was selected to be on the All-Conference football team.

David married the love of his life, Dorothy Nell O’Dell, on Nov. 24, 1955, and together they enjoyed 51 happy years of marriage. David began teaching and coaching at Breckenridge High School in 1956 under Coach Emory Bellard. After his coaching career, he became the BHS principal from 1968 through 1978. David was recognized in 1962 as the Rotary Club’s Teacher the Year and then again in 1979 with the Distributive Education Professional Award.

David was a member of the Lions Club for many years and was selected as the Breckenridge Citizen of the Year in 2015. Some of his favorite hobbies in life after his education career were farming and ranching in the Woodson area. The greatest joys of his life were spending time with his family, friends, and grandchildren. David was a friend to many, and he lived life to the fullest. He always enjoyed a good family gathering.

Mr. Sullivan was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Sullivan; his son and daughter-in-law, Mitchel and Terry Sullivan; parents, Charlie and Hazel Sullivan; sisters, Vernell Elledge and Peggy Sullivan; and brother, Larry Sullivan. He is survived by his two daughters, Trissie Dempsey and husband Mark of Breckenridge, and Jana Davis and husband Dennis of Breckenridge; ten grandchildren, Todd Dempsey and wife Sara of Dallas, Texas, Camri Breeding and husband Jeff of Gunter, Texas, Alex Dempsey and wife Kenzie of Rogers, Arkansas, Cade Sullivan and wife Megan of Mansfield, Texas, Kelby Sullivan of Dallas, Anda Hudson and husband Word of Sonora, Texas, Vance Sullivan of Breckenridge, Paxton Sullivan of Breckenridge, Kelsey Davis of Dallas, and Sara King and husband Jake of Dallas; along with ten great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations in David’s name can be made to the Woodson Cemetery Association and can be left at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com.