Phillip Sullivan

Phillip Eugene Sullivan, age 86, of Benton, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior, from his home on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

He was born on April 22, 1939, in Harrisburg, Illinois; the son of Alvia and Ruby (Goings) Sullivan. He married the former Jeraldean “Jean” McClintock on December 15, 1957, and shared 64years of marriage until her passing on May 11, 2022.

Phillip attended the Ten Mile Baptist Church of McLeansboro, Illinois. Phillip worked a variety of jobs during his lifetime including being a janitor and school bus driver, Benton Auxiliary Police officer, owning his own construction business, and formerly worked at Wurlitzer Pianos of DeKalb, Illinois.

He enjoyed bowling, playing ping pong, painting, and riding his Harley.

Together he and Jean have five children who survive. Two daughters: Marsha Vaughn and husband Bruce of Thompsonville, Illinois, Tonya Dawson of Benton, Illinois; three sons: Matthew Sullivan and wife Stephanie of Wingo, Kentucky, Tim Sullivan and wife Joleen of Benton, Illinois, Jim Sullivan and wife Susan of Benton, Illinois. He is also survived by seventeen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren with one on the way, a sister Virginia Dorris of Benton, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews. He also had a special place in his heart for his four-legged friend Mila.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and five siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, with Rev. Jacob Gray officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Phillip, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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