Richard J Sons

Richard (Dick) J. Sons, 73, died of cancer on Thursday, November 19, 2009. Born in Chicago Heights, IL, grew up in Crown Point, IN, lived in Albuquerque, NM 45 years after graduating top of his class from Valparaiso Technical Institute. Retired from Sandia National Laboratories after 31 years, Electrical & Electronics Engineer having earned his B.S. from the University of New Mexico. Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Ruth Sons, and baby brother Paul. Survived by his wife of 27 years, Marjorie Lanning Sons; son, Robert; sister, Linda, and many cousins. President of the Rio Grande Valley Model Railroad Club, was the 429th awardee of Master Model Railroader by the NMRA, charter member of Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Extra Class Amateur Radio Operator N5CU, an accomplished classical accordionist, member of Die Polka-Schlingel German Band. Prior to procession to Homewood Memorial Gardens for 11:00 a.m. graveside service, please gather at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, at St. Paul Lutheran Church located at 508 Chicago Rd., Thornton, IL. In lieu of flowers, Dick requested that donations be given in his name to the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, www.nmslrhs.org or P.O. Box 27270, Albuquerque, NM, 87125. Arrangements entrusted to Smits, DeYoung-Vroegh Funeral Home " South Holland, IL. For Further Information: 708-333-7000 or www.smitsfuneralhomes.com