Mark Sullivan Obituary

Mark Wayne Sullivan was born July 11, 1954, to Wayne and Chestal Sullivan of Bardwell, Texas. Being the prized only son amongst five girls, he would forever be affectionately known by the family as “The Boy“.

Growing up on the Sullivan farm in Ellis County was formative in who Mark became. He always knew he wanted to be a cowboy.

By the time he was in high school, he found adventure riding bulls in local rodeos. His first job was cowboying on the Hunt Ranch in Terrell, Texas. Mark later found a career working at Flood Plains Data Company in Austin, Texas, where he met his wife-to-be, Terry Traynor. While it was important work, Mark was never satisfied in an office job. When he saw the opportunity to work with Richard Nunley at the Black Mesa Ranch outside of Alpine, he jumped at the chance. Working and living as ranch manager on the Black Mesa, a part of the Borderlands Research Institute Stewardship Program, brought Mark the fulfillment and satisfaction he had always dreamed of.

While Mark was a rough and tough cowboy, he was the kindest and most gentle of souls; he was beloved by everyone who knew him. Mark passed away peacefully in his favorite easy chair early Thursday morning with his wife and his dog by his side. He leaves a hole in the hearts of all of us lucky enough to have had him in our lives.

Mark was preceded in death by both of his parents and his oldest sister, Judith Sullivan Clay. Surviving Mark are his wife, Terry, and his four remaining sisters, Jan, Rebecca, Sarah, and Susan, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.