Albert "Al" Charles Sullivan Jr.

Albert Charles Sullivan, Jr., of Farmington, passed away on June 22, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 85. He was born on September 19, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Albert Charles Sullivan, Sr. and Madelyn Irene Brewer Sullivan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Edwin Sullivan, cousin Mary Jane Brewer, and his mother-in-law, Laverne Grotewiel.

Although his earliest years were spent in St. Louis, the cherished family homestead just west of Doe Run was Albert’s life-long residence. He was a 1957 graduate of Farmington High School. At 16, he ventured off to the University of Missouri, Columbia, graduating in 1961 with a bachelor of science degree in public administration and a master of science degree in public administration in 1962. He pursued advanced graduate studies at Southeast Missouri State University as well as Lincoln University. While at MIZZOU, he was inducted into three professional honor societies: Beta Gamma Sigma, Pi Sigma Alpha and Alpha Pi Zeta.

Throughout his career, Al worked in a variety of educational as well as governmental arenas. He started his teaching career at the University of Missouri, Columbia. From there, he returned to St. Francois County as a political science instructor at Flat River Junior College. In 1965, he was appointed Budget Director for the state of Missouri by Governor Warren Hearnes. Eventually, Al returned to the newly named Mineral Area College as business manager. In 1969, he was promoted to Dean of Vocational Education. Once again, he was called into government service, taking a leave of absence to serve as the Director of the State Reorganization Commission in Jefferson City. Upon completion of this commission, Al returned to Mineral Area College and resumed his role as Dean of the Vocational Division. Although he spent the majority of his educational career in administration, he continued to pursue his passion for teaching as an adjunct instructor for Central Methodist and Southeast Missouri State University. Al eventually retired from Mineral Area College after 35 years of dedicated service. Under his leadership, the nursing program as well as a myriad of other certificate and degree programs were added to his division. He was a vocal advocate for the college in Jefferson City, passionate about the vital role that community colleges play in their respective regions. He believed Mineral Area College to be not only an institution of higher learning but also a cultural hub for the entire area. He was elected secretary/treasurer, vice-president, president-elect and president of the Missouri Community College Association as well as vice-president and president of the Missouri Council of Vocational Administrators. After his retirement, he served as interim director of the Four Rivers Area Vo-Tech School before serving as executive director of the St. Francois County Community Partnership from 2002 through 2016.

To his core, Al believed that public service was the backbone of a great democracy, and he devoted his life to that belief. He was a member and the eventual chair of the Missouri State Personnel Board. He was a member of the Missouri State Board of Training Schools, of the St. Francois County Board of Education, the Southeast Missouri Private Industry Council, the Missouri Local Records Board, and the Southeast Missouri Workforce Investment Board.

He served on the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Board of Directors for 15 years and helped oversee the planning and eventual construction of the Presbyterian Manor in Farmington. He was also a board member on the Children’s Foundation of Mid-America. He served on the St. Francois County Ambulance District for 24 years as secretary, vice-chair and then chair. He was a member of the St. Francois County Industrial Authority for 36 years, ending his tenure as chair.

Politically, he was elected as Public Administrator of St. Francois County in the 1960’s.

He held various leadership positions during his 30 years on the St. Francois County Democratic Central Committee, was treasurer of the 8th Congressional Democratic Committee and a member of the Missouri State Democratic Committee.

Over the years, Al was honored with a variety of accolades for his contributions in education and leadership through public service.

In his personal life, Al was a life-long member of the Farmington Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, an elder, clerk of the session and treasurer. He was active in Men’s Club, played the organ at the annual men’s breakfast the Saturday of Holy week and sang in the choir.

Al loved the great outdoors spending every free moment on his farms in Doe Run, which included his beloved Paw Paw Patch. He always referred to himself as a hobby farmer. His love of farming had been nurtured by Floyd Hager during his years enrolled in Farmington High School’s FFA program. Some of his greatest joys involved raising horses and trail riding. He was a charter member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Club of Missouri, Incorporated, in the late 1960’s, eventually becoming its president.

For many years, he ran a large herd of registered Polled Hereford cattle. He also dabbled in raising pigs and turkeys. Each year, he faithfully referred to the Farmer’s Almanac as he planted, tended and harvested a large vegetable and flower garden.

Al was a proud member of the Farmington Elks Lodge, the Farmington Lion’s Club and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Jefferson City.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Grotewiel Sullivan; children Sally Sullivan-Shinn (Greg), Matthew (Kristin) Rohrer, and Ann Rohrer; his grandchildren Madelyn (Matt) Usherwood, Parker Shinn, Jacob Rohrer, David Rohrer, Margaux Woods and Simon Woods; a great-granddaughter (expected in December); his nephew Kamau Sullivan and many cherished friends.

Friends may call on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with an Elks Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will resume at Farmington Presbyterian Church on Saturday morning, June 27, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the start of the funeral at 11:00 AM with Reverend Bob Bullock officiating. Interment at Hillview Memorial Gardens. 

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Help the Hungry of Farmington or the Good Samaritan fund or employee scholarship fund at Farmington Presbyterian Manor.