Terry Wayne Sullivan

Terry Sullivan, 65, of Kansas City, Missouri, died peacefully at home August 12, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He went to heaven surrounded by his mother, his sister and brother-in-law, and the wonderful hospice nurse who cared for him.

Terry Wayne Sullivan was born on August 13, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri to William and Barbara(Lewis)Sullivan, joining his big brother, and several years later a little sister. Although he grew up in the Kansas City/Smithville area, he went on to spend most of his early adulthood in Independence, Kansas, where he married and had 3 beautiful daughters. He eventually returned back to his roots in Smithville and Kansas City, where he lived until his death.

No matter how sick he was Terry loved making people laugh, especially his nurses at the cancer center. He was a skilled welder, a master carpenter, and an accomplished musician, teaching himself to play several different instruments. He had a great love of music, old country and blue grass in particular, but appreciated all genres. He and his sister sat at the piano playing together on many occasions. He even influenced his nephew at a young age to become a musician himself.

Terry is preceded in death by his grandparent, Lily Bowen and Herman and Hazel Lewis; his father William (sully) Sullivan; his stepfather Donald (Don) Gresham; and his brothers Timothy (Timmy) Sullivan and William (Billy) Sullivan.

Terry is survived by many people who loved him dearly. His mother, Barbara; three daughters Kendra, Leslie and Sarah; his stepmother Dee; his sister Jenny and husband Scot; and his sister-in-law Jackie. Terry had 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 4 nieces, 2 nephews, 4 cousins and many more family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 1640 N. State Route 291, Liberty, MO 64089, on Friday August 15th from 5:00-6:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, Terry wanted donations to be made to St. Jude’s.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the entire staff at the KU Cancer Center Green Hills, especially Dr. Jeremy Flanagan and his care team, who fought side by side with Terry for 6 years. He was so grateful for all the great care he received there. They would also like to thank his KC Hospice nurse, Michele Davis, for his final care. For the compassion, respect and attentiveness she showed to Terry, his mother and his sister they will be forever grateful.