Richard Sunman

Richard “Rick” Sunman of Rio Rancho, NM died peacefully in his sleep on Easter morning, April 20, 2025.

Born in Cleveland, OH on December 16, 1944, he was the son of Richard Sunman and Georgine Sunman. He graduated from Firelands High School, Oberlin, OH and soon thereafter received a BA degree from Ohio Northern University and an MA from Wright State University. 

For many years he was a Junior and Senior High School history teacher. Later, he became a store manager for K-Mart in stores throughout the Midwest.

When he was born, he received a model train set on his first Christmas, which grew into his lifelong passion. Train sets increased in size to become the envy of many model toy train enthusiasts. A few years ago, when downsizing to move to the Fairwinds Rio Rancho, the size of his layout was too large to maintain his beloved collection of trains and accessories. Reluctantly, but with great pride, he donated his collection in its entirety to the Wheels Museum of Albuquerque, where the collection is now displayed. In an honored area for all to see and admire.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter Regina Gale. He is survived by a son Joel Sunman of Chicago, IL, and by his husband of 31 years Thom Hinks. Additional relatives include two sisters, Barbara Horvath and Karen Sunman and a niece Karen Loveland, all three residing in the Midwest.

A memorial service will be held at a future date at Fairwinds Retirement Community in Rio Rancho. Inurnment will be at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wheels Museum, 1100 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

Please visit our online guestbook for Richard at  https://www.danielsfuneral.com/obituaries/richard-sunman