Joel Sullivan

Joel Sullivan, a gentleman and a cowboy, rode off into the sunset on June 18, 2017 at his home in Clint, TX with his wife Becky at his side. Joel was an honest, generous and fair man who loved his family and friends and didn't know a stranger. He was born Ira Joel Sullivan on April 11, 1933 in Socorro, New Mexico to Ira H and Carla Sullivan. He grew up on the Bar A ranch in Dusty, NM. Joel attended the Colorado Military Academy in Denver, CO and New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM where he was part of the equestrian and polo teams. He had adventures and built friendships at school that lasted a lifetime along with other New Mexico ranching families and businessmen. He served honorably in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. During a visit to Las Cruces, he met Nita Drummond. They were married in Chamberino, NM and lived in Las Cruces and Hagerman, NM until Nita's death 45 years later. He was an active leader in the H-C 4H club. Joel worked for the New Mexico Farm Bureau Insurance Co for 27 years before retiring and moving to Clint, TX. It was here that he met Rebecca Sykes and their love story began. They fit each other like a pair of gloves and shared their dreams of showing horses, roping and raising a few colts. They danced through life for a short 17 years. Joel was preceded in death by his parents, brother Connie, first wife Nita and his favorite horse Cotton. He is survived by his wife Becky and four children, Jody Sullivan and his wife Paula of Canyon, TX, Patrick Sullivan and his wife Patricia of Las Cruces, NM, Ryan Young of Clint, TX and Kyla Young of El Paso, TX. Two brothers, Charles Sullivan and his wife Bobbie of Winston, NM and Tay Sullivan and his wife Cheryl of Winston, NM. Six grandchildren, Erin Goad and her husband Justin of Albuquerque, NM, Sam Sullivan of Brighton, CO, Darby Sullivan and her fiancé Hayden Campsey of Amarillo, TX, Brendan Sullivan currently in Milan Italy, Jordan Sullivan and her fiancé Max Hoener of Rhinebeck, New York and grandson Xander Young of Clint, TX. Sister in law Nancy Lambert and her husband Tim of Rowlett, TX, and Sister in law Catherine Sykes of El Paso TX along with many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Clint, TX on Saturday, July 1st at 1:00 pm. Arrangements by Kaster-Maxon and Futrell Funeral Home (915)751-1287. Please visit our online register book at www.FunerariaDelAngelKM.com

-Happy Trails Joe