Sam Newman Sullivan

1935-2015

Sam Newman Sullivan, dedicated husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2015, surrounded by his family, after a sudden brief illness. Sam was born on March 26, 1935 to Louis A. (Sully) and Verna Pearl Sullivan. He was born in The Goodson Hotel in Grapeland, Texas, which was owned by his great-grandmother, “Mama Laura” Goodson. The hotel would later be owned by his grandmother, Bertha “Big Mother” Goodson. Sam along with his cousin, Granville C. (Fella) Knight Jr., created many cherished boyhood memories spending summers at the hotel with their “Big Mother”.

Sam graduated from Reagan High School and attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he was a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha. He retired in 1992, after 36 years of service, from Houston Lighting and Power Co. At HL&P he worked his way up to become the Manager of the Land and Right of Way Department. He was honored in his career to have served as the President of the International Right of Way Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his youngest son, Michael Patrick. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Hedy Margaret Sullivan; son, Sam Newman (Buddy) Sullivan, Jr. and wife Beverly; daughters, Sheryl Sullivan Barrett and husband Steve and Susanne Sullivan Casteel and husband Randy; granddaughters, Courtney Casteel Gill and husband Golden and Stephanie Sullivan; grandsons, Brian Sullivan, Cody Casteel and Brendan Barrett; greatgranddaughters, Kirby and Kambry Gill.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 12th, at 9:00am, Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine, Houston, TX. Following the service the family would like to invite friends and family to a celebration of Sam’s life at the home of his son-inlaw and daughter, Steve and Sheryl Barrett.