Samuel Theodore "Sam" Sunman

Samuel "Sam" Theodore Sunman, age 98, passed away on January 26, 2026. He was a resident of Fort Gratiot, Michigan for nearly 10 years, and formerly lived in Warren, Harrison Township and Phoenix.

Sam was born on July 14, 1927, in Springfield, Illinois, to James and Imogene Sunman. When he was five years old, his family moved to Detroit, where he spent most of his childhood and formative years playing on sand mountains on the shore of the Edison plant and jumping from the top of boxcars onto bales of cotton near the cotton mill. He started working at a young age distributing handbills for the local grocer and eventually stocking shelves and getting ice blocks, setting bowling pins at the local alley, and managing a corner paper stop selling papers to East Siders at the East End theater. As a 12 year old, he would ride his bike across the streets of Detroit and up to Jefferson Beach amusement park in Saint Clair Shores.

After completing his schooling, Sam worked at General Motors but switched careers to become a firefighter for the City of Warren. Known for his strong work ethic and quiet strength, he retired after many years of dedicated service from the force in 1983.

Sam loved to wander and go for road trips. He loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman. A lifetime member of the North Macomb Sportsmen's Club he enjoyed deer and antelope hunting in Michigan and Wyoming. He loved camping, traveling throughout the United States, and visiting national parks. During his years in Harrison Township, he especially enjoyed boating on Lake St. Clair.

Sam loved life's simple pleasures – having pen vending route, going to vendor shows, collecting antiques and searching for collectibles at thrift stores (like clocks and angel statues) and See's chocolates. He loved books, particularly westerns and Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth series. He loved playing cards-cribbage was his favorite-and he could often be found playing hearts on the computer. Sam loved to tinker and was always fixing lamps, clocks, and just about anything that needed attention. At 98, having family members be his eyes and hands, he directed the repairs of jewelry, stroller wheel bearings, electric scooter batteries and even hearing aids.

He was hardworking, generous with his time, and always willing to lend a hand. He loved music of all kinds, from big band to modern tunes, and enjoyed Christmas Eve gatherings with family, friends, food and loud music – especially Manheim Steamroller and Bruce Cockburn ("Mary Had a Baby, My Lord"). He led a rich, full life and strove to never stop learning, growing, sharing and being independent. Sam was a devoted, loving father, grandfather, sibling and uncle, who cherished his large family and they cherished him. He was proud of each of them and their many accomplishments.

Sam is survived by his loving children, James (Marian) Sunman; Nancy Roberts; Carol (Tim O'Connor) Sunman; and Kathy (Robert) Sunman Bowers; his grandchildren, Eric (Deb), Karen (the late Russell), Austin, Rachel (Corey), Esther (Chris), James (Janae), David (Jessica), Brittany (Obadiah), Tyler, Elizabeth, and Liam; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Mary Lou Vernon, and many nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as "Uncle Ted". He will be deeply missed.

Sam was a loving son and sibling. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Imogene Sunman, and by his brothers, James William ("Bill"), Frederick Jene ("Buck"), and Wayne Alfred ("Pat").

Those wishing to honor Sam's memory are encouraged to support fundraising events by their local fire department or library.

At Sam's request, there will be no public visitation. The family will share plans for a memorial in the near future.