Donald “Don” Eugene Sullivan, age 90, of Butte, MT, passed away on May 4, 2025.
Donald Eugene Sullivan died at home in Butte on May 4th, at age 90 and the day after he and his wife Sharon celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. He taught English and composition at Butte High from 1972 until 1997, and then at Montana Tech for several more years. Don’s first teaching job was at Ennis High School, where he was hired in 1965 after putting himself through Western Montana College by using the GI Bill and working as a policeman in Butte. He loved poetry, often reciting favorites from memory, and that love led him to a career sharing the beauty of language with his students. Don was an avid golfer, though his emotions after a round were usually closer to frustration than joy; like many golfers, he liked to refer to the game as “a good walk spoiled.” He was active until very recently, and enjoyed riding his bike around Butte and searching second hand stores for cameras to give to his grandsons.
Don is survived by his wife Sharon, their son Tim, daugher-in-law Patricia (Maki), grandson Patrick and his partner Grace, grandson Thomas, many nieces and nephews and their families, and Patricia’s siblings and their families, who adopted Don as their “Papa.”
Don was preceded in death by his siblings, Jack, Joe, Jay, and Marie.
A Funeral Mass will be held May 12th at noon at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4400 Continental Dr, Butte, MT 59701, followed immediately by Rite of Committal with Military Honors at Holy Cross Cemetery 4700 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT 59701, and a reception back at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Please visit below to offer condolences or to share a memory of Don.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is privileged to care for Don and his family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday May 12, 2025
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
Rite of Committal
Immediately Following Service
Monday May 12, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following the graveside service
Monday May 12, 2025
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday May 12, 2025
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
Rite of Committal
Immediately Following Service
Monday May 12, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following the graveside service
Monday May 12, 2025
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
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Holly Hansen says
Sharon and family,
We are sorry to hear about Don’s passing. Please take care of each other and know that others are thinking of you. Holly and Mark Hansen
Billie Reynolds says
Sharon, I’m so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. May all your wonderful memories of Don help you through this trying time.
Miriam & Courtney Young says
Sharon, I am so sorry about Don. I just found out today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marlene Murdo says
All my love and prayers are with all of you.
I will never forget this amazing man. Not only your teacher but he was your friend. Forever and always. God Bless you.
Ann Gilmore says
Sharon,
I am so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. May you find comforts in the memories of your time together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With Deepest Sympathy
Jody Sprout says
I did a double take when I saw Don Sullivan ‘s obituary in the “Madisonian “. I was a junior when he came to teach in Ennis. I remember him basically having to teach all of us 2 years worth of studies, and he had all of our utmost respect. His teaching stuck with me all these years, and I often wondered what happened to him. He was a great teacher and we were so lucky to have had him . My maiden name was Jody Wortman and I never forgot him. My sympathies to all of his family