Bobby "Gene" Sullivan beloved husband, father of 5, grandfather of 10, and great grandfather of 15 died peacefully in Ponca City, Oklahoma on Saturday, August 22, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 96 years old. Viewing will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Trout Funeral Home between 9:00AM and 8:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Woodlands Christian Church in Ponca City, OK. Burial will immediately follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Ponca City, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Born on June 19, 1930 west of Tonkawa, OK to Robert Andrew and Irene Mae Sullivan. Gene was the youngest of 5 siblings, all of whom proceeded him in death. He lived his young life in the oil fields around Tonkawa and Covington where he enjoyed exploring fields and creeks near his home. In his early work life, he did farm, greenhouse, and bottling plant work.
Gene married Trelma Evans on August 19, 1950. They celebrated their 76 anniversary just 3 days prior to his passing. She was the love of this life. He worked in tire, furniture, and machine shops, retiring from Nichols Machine Co. in 1992(27 years). The family lived in Tonkawa, Wichita, and Ponca City. He was a hard-working man, faithful to God and family. He was very supportive of the family with five children as Trelma went back to college for her teaching degree. He was fun loving, creative, and handy (he could fix anything). His hobbies were the many vacations (especially camping), wood carving (many beautiful pieces), golf, fishing, gardening, and puzzles.
Gene was a strong Christian and a member of Woodlands Christian Church since 1958. He served as a deacon, elder, chairman of the board, and on other committees. He completed many projects for the church and the church grounds.
Gene was survived by his wife, Trelma Sullivan; 5 children and spouses: Richard and Marilyn Sullivan, Karen and Tracy Webb, Steve and Sherry Sullivan, Clay and Karen Sullivan, and Ken Sullivan; 10 grandchildren: Meagan Pierce, Ryan Sullivan, Dustin Webb, Derek Webb, Michael Sullivan, Tim Sullivan, Zach Sullivan, Chris Sullivan, Shayna Sheridan, and Cheyene Roberts: 15 great grandchildren: Stella, Lola, and Roman Pierce, Maxwell, Daxton, and Bohdie Sullivan, Katelyn, Brendan, and Madelyn Sullivan, Chethan, Suvali, and Liam Webb, Alaina and Aria Sheridan, and Theodore and Liliana (to arrive next month) Roberts.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Woodlands Christian Church, 1400 E. Hartford Ave., Ponca City, OK 74604.