Thomas Edward Sullivan

Thomas Edward Sullivan of Carlsbad, California age 59 passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025.  He was born on June 20,1966 in Washington D.C.  He lived in Maryland, Virginia, California, Minnesota, and Texas at various times in his life.

He is survived by his wife Karen Davison Sullivan, children David Sullivan of Savannah, Georgia, Stephen Sullivan of Dodge Center, Minnesota, Jonathan Sullivan of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Harmony Sullivan of Buffalo, Minnesota; his sister Karen Sullivan Hook (Larry) of Andover, Minnesota.  He had 3 grandchildren:  Elijah Rain and Ezra Jade of Dodge Center, Minnesota; and Lily, who lives in the country of Georgia.  He had many cousins in and around the Federick, Maryland area.  He was predeceased by his parents Jeremiah Edward Sullivan Jr. and Virginia Mae Ahalt, and his half- brother Michael Sullivan.

He graduated from Osseo High School in Osseo, Minnesota, attended Moorhead State University, Northwestern Bible College in Roseville, MN, the Defense Language Institute, Minneapolis Community College, Metropolitan State University, and obtained a Masters Degree from Capella University where he received a Dean’s award for academic excellence. He was also a licensed minister.  

In his professional life Tom had been a V.P. for an I.T. company, an OTR Truck driver, a District Sales Manager, an Arabic linguist in Military intelligence, a stay-at-home dad, a theatrical director, front man for a 12-piece horn band that opened for Bo Diddley, a preacher, a music teacher, a GM for Burger King, a team leader for Accenture, and an I.T. help desk guru.  Most recently he was employed by the Beacon’s Bible Church in Encinitas, California which was for him a dream come true.

Tom was a Christian and he loved reading and teaching the Bible.  He was a talented writer, musician, singer, songwriter, stage actor and director.  His greatest joy was serving the Lord.  Tom had a booming voice, big personality, big brain, and big heart.   He was often the center of attention.  He knew how to live in the moment and enjoy life to the fullest.  He loved his life in Carlsbad and was very much excited about his future with the Beacon’s Bible Church.

Tom loved Jesus, rainbows at the beach, the ocean, dogs, babies, singing, living in southern California, swimming with dolphins, and worshiping God. He was larger than life and had a big impact on those around him.  His favorite thing to talk about was the Gospel of Grace.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Beacon’s Bible Church at 367 LaVeta Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024,  beaconsbible@gmail.com.  

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