Roscoe Sullivan

Roscoe was the youngest of four children, a baby brother to three sisters: Eleanor, Kathrine, and Beatrice. Growing up in nearby Shreveport, Louisiana, Roscoe was driven to better himself and his circumstances. His penchant for leadership, self-education, and fiscal responsibility are just a few of the defining characteristics that manifested during that time and throughout the rest of his life. Roscoe was named editor of his high school paper and graduated from Central Colored High School in 1949, the school’s final year of existence. Roscoe entered Southern University in the fall of 1949 but left for financial reasons. With the Korean War draft imminent, Roscoe volunteered for 4 years of service in the United States Air Force and became one of the first black Tactical Training Instructors at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.

While in the military, Roscoe regularly visited his mom and three sisters, who were living in Los Angeles. During one of those visits, he met his future wife, Audrey Jewel, and the two were married following Roscoe’s honorable discharge and remained together for 62 years until Audrey’s death in 2018. Audrey gave birth to Sheila Marie, and the family settled in Los Angeles. Roscoe loved being a father, and relished spending time with Sheila.

Roscoe was hired by the US Postal Service in 1956 as a mail carrier and rose through the ranks to become manager of the Foy Station in downtown Los Angeles after obtaining his Masters degree in Business Administration. In 1967, he and Audrey opened Roscoe’s Hamburgers on the corner of Jefferson and Farmdale in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, a staple for generations of students at Dorsey High School. Leveraging his business acumen and the defining characteristics that served him throughout his life, Roscoe made several other investments in real estate and business that provided for his family. Roscoe also heavily invested in his spirituality and belonged to Hope Memorial Lutheran Church. Throughout the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, he could be found be regularly found in and around the Church where he wore many different hats.

In 1971, Roscoe and Audrey welcomed a second daughter, Roslyn Gia, and a son, Roscoe Loren, in 1978. Just as with Sheila, Roscoe loved spending time with Roslyn and Roscoe. Between business, church, family, and friends Roscoe was being pulled in numerous directions, and he loved every minute of it.

Roscoe retired from the US Postal Service in 1988, sold the hamburger stand, and moved with his family to Las Vegas, Nevada. Not being one to sit too long, Roscoe became a charter member of the Lakes Lutheran Church while in Las Vegas. While at the “Lakes” Roscoe made a number of friends and continued to serve in a variety of capacities.

On March 23, 2023, while surrounded by his family, Roscoe was embraced by God and left the earthly world behind. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Carrie Sullivan, Father, Frank Sullivan; Sisters, Eleanor, Katherine, and Beatrice; and wife, Audrey Jewel Sullivan. Roscoe is survived by his children, Henry Ward, Sheila Sullivan, Roslyn Brooks, and Roscoe L. Sullivan; his grandchildren, Jeromee O. Sullivan, Shanley M. Ward, Ryan A. Ward, Brendalyn A. Brooks; his great-grandson, Princeton Sullivan; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A visitation for Roscoe will be held Friday, April 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 7, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129. A reception will occur Friday, April 7, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Sullivan family.