Michael E. Sullivan

Age 75, of Bullhead City, Arizona, formerly of New Lothrop, Michigan, passed away September 19, 2025. A graveside service with military honors will take place 2:00 pm, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery in Mt. Morris. Pastor Sarah Larose-Nettle officiating. Michael’s family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 12:30 pm until 1:30 pm at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services, 1194 E. Mt. Morris Rd. Mt. Morris, Michigan, 48458. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Michael’s tribute page on martinfuneralhome.com.

Michael was born on October 20, 1949, in Lilbourn, Missouri. Educated locally, Michael graduated from Mt. Morris High School with the class of 1967. Michael met the love of his life, Diane Diffin. The couple dated, fell in love, and was united in marriage on September 1, 1973, in Chesaning, Michigan. Michael heeded the call of duty enlisting in the United States Air Force on September 11, 1968. He served his country admirably from the United States to Okinawa, earning a National Defense Service Medal, before he was honorably discharged on June 2, 1972, while stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.

Following his military career, Michael returned to civilian life where he found his true calling in law enforcement and continued service to the community. This included working for police departments in New Lothrop, Bancroft, and Montrose Townships. He would later go on to complete courses at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy as well as training to become an EMT and volunteer firefighter. Michael then joined the Sweetwater County Sheriff Department, where he grew through the ranks and was instrumental in leading numerous community development and safety programs, including being a D.A.R.E. instructor. He started both the department’s mounted police force, as well as the Crime Prevention Unit that utilized McGruff the Crime Dog as an educational tool to help his community. After he finished his work in law enforcement, he continued to be involved in helping and supporting those around him working in the oil field as a security and safety officer.

In his free time, Michael loved spending time with his family and friends, hunting, horseback riding, karate, competing in gunfighting competitions, attending car shows, riding his Harley, gambling, and watching the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers and the LA Dodgers.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Diane; daughter, Michelle Sullivan; nieces and nephews: Brandon and wife, Rachelle Yarbrough, Bobby Yarbrough and Jacob and wife, Korena Yarbrough, Amanda and husband, Chris Adams, and Kayla Yarbrough; brother, Robert and wife, Lucia Yarbrough.

Michael was preceded in death by his stepfather, Billy Yarbrough; mom, Maizie Yarbrough; sister, Eva Coons, and his brother, Jeff Yarbrough.