William "Bill" H. Sullivan

William “Bill” Harvey Sullivan, 92, of Lafayette, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Mulberry Health. Born on June 7, 1932, in Lafayette, Indiana, Bill was the son of Robert M. and Edith C. Sullivan. He graduated from Frankfort High School and went on to attend Purdue University, where he played basketball plus baseball and was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Following his time at Purdue, Bill served his country honorably as a draftsman in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his service, he continued both his education and athletic career at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, playing basketball and tennis. He also coached an orphanage baseball team during college which he loved.

Known for his sharp wit and a healthy dose of orneriness, Bill had a way of keeping everyone on their toes—and laughing. Whether he was cracking a joke, offering a clever comeback, or stirring the pot just enough to make things interesting, he brought humor and spirit wherever he went.

Bill married Joyce Ann Cooley in Monon, Indiana, and together they built a family and shared many meaningful years. Though their marriage later ended, their bond remained strong throughout his life.

Bill spent many years with Travelers Insurance Company, retiring after a long and successful career. In retirement, he enjoyed playing cards, fishing, gardening, puzzles, watching sports and spending time with his loved ones. Bill was an avid IU supporter & big Bobby Knight fan. He was also an active member of the Forty and Eight Chateau in Lafayette, an organization he cared deeply about and supported for many years.

Bill is survived by Joyce Anne (Cooley) Sullivan, with whom he shared a lifelong connection; daughters Terri (Ken) Anliker of Chalmers, IN, and Michelle (David) Evans of Lafayette, IN; and son John T. (Deborah) Sullivan. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Andrew Evans, Ian Klinker, Breanne Evans, Markie Sullivan, Kent (Alexandra) Evans, Shane Sullivan, and Tai (Shadi) Audi; and five great-grandchildren: Brenden, Sailor, Jack, Piper, and Lennon; brother-in-law, Jim Spidel. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Robert “Bob” & Donna, George & Patsy; sister, Clara Spidel and nephew Bobby Sullivan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Forty and Eight Chateau, 1421 N. Creasy Lane, Lafayette, IN, Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home will publish the date and times on their website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Forty and Eight Nurse’s Training Scholarship Program or The Underprivileged Children Fund.