Leo Henry Sullivan

Leo Henry Sullivan, age 87, passed away peacefully in his home on September 26, 2026. He was born April 01, 1939 in St. George, Utah to Lenzi McAllister Sullivan and Esther Mary Tobler.

Leo married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Sussette Andrus, on August 09, 1958 in St. George, Utah. Together they had seven children and raised them primarily in St. George.

Leo was a deeply beloved family man, teacher and friend. He leaves a legacy of music, integrity and the remarkable gift of making people feel important and loved.

Sussette and their family were the heart of Leo’s life. His seven children, thirty-three grandchildren, fifty-one great grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces and nephews each held a special place in his heart. He took a genuine interest in their lives, celebrating their joys, attending their concerts, games, programs and recitals, and listening to what mattered to them. In his company, you felt you had his full attention and that there was nowhere else he would rather be.

That same warmth extended to his neighbors and friends. He listened with interest and was present in the moment. His enthusiastic “That’s so great!” could make even a small accomplishment feel worth celebrating.

Leo’s working life included teaching band and choir, trucking and construction. As a beloved teacher at Dixie High School, he shared his love of music and started the school’s Madrigals. The connections he formed with students endured long beyond their school years, reflected in the many invitations he received to their class reunions. Music has always been a meaningful part of his life through ward choirs and also playing the French horn in the Southwest Symphony.

Together Leo and Sussette shared their love of music with their children. In 1971 they began a beloved family tradition of taking their seven children Christmas Caroling to family and friends. That tradition continued for 45 years, with grandchildren, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law joining over the years. They loved sharing the joy of music and family, especially during the Christmas Season.

Leo’s working years next included being an independent truck driver with F&B Trucking, where he mainly hauled steel from Norther Utah to California. His children fondly remember having turns riding along with him in his truck. He was well respected among his fellow drivers for his integrity and love of people.

In 1980 Leo and his son Craig began a family business that grew to include his son James and is now S&S Homes. The hundreds of homes they have built through the years has had a lasting impact in the St. George area.

As one of the founding members of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association, Leo served as it’s president in the second year, helping to establish an organization that would shape and serve his community.

Leo served faithfully throughout his life in many different callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He especially enjoyed serving missions with Sussette and working with the young missionaries in the Philippines, Guatemala and the St. George Area Mission. These experiences were a cherished part of their life together.

Across the different chapters of Leo’s life, the qualities people loved and respected in him remained constant; his interest in others, his honesty, his genuine affection and his love of the Lord. Whether he was with family, a ward member, catching up with a former student or visiting with a neighbor, he made each one feel seen, valued and loved.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. His legacy lives on in the music he shared, the students he encouraged, the community he helped build, and most of all, the family who will always carry his love with them.

Leo is survived by Sussette, his wife and sweetheart of 68 years; seven children: Laurie (Mark) Vincent, Craig (Windy), Jan Sullivan (Roger Hubert), Stephanie (Tony) Barnum, Julene (Robert) Reimer, James (Michelle) and Mary (Brent) Griffith, 30 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren, his sister Mary Grace Houston, 3 brothers-in-law, and 5 sisters-in-law. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles, baby sister Lois, 3 brothers-in-law, 2 sisters-in-law, beloved granddaughter Kenya and 2 baby grandsons.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 1st from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the St. George East Stake Center, 449 South 300 East, St. George, Utah. A viewing will also be held on Friday, October 2nd from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the same location, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery located at 650 East Tabernacle Street.