Hoyt Sunderland

Hoyt Sunderland, 78, passed away to be with our Lord on Sunday, November 27, 2016, while in his old, treasured, red and white pickup truck. He was born October 13, 1938, in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, to Woody and Faye Sunderland. He was united in marriage to Evelyn Heffel Sunderland in 1959. Hoyt worked in the field of education as both a teacher and a school counselor for 38 years. He retired in 1998 as director of counseling from Wichita West High School. He spent his retirement years playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and farming in Oklahoma. A family tradition that he loved was spending summers in Red River, New Mexico, with his entire family. Hoyt is survived by his wife, Evelyn; sons, Ray (Jodi) of Hesston and Rick (Lisa) of Valley Center; granddaughters, Michelle Duerksen (Chad) and Meghan Sunderland; great-grandchildren, Josh, Macey and Molly Duerksen. Hoyt was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Bobby. Many other family members and friends will miss him dearly. Downing and Lahey Mortuary West will host a viewing from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, December 1. A Celebration of Life service will be held 10 a.m., Friday, December 2 at First Mennonite Brethren Church. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. in Roselawn Cemetery, Okeene, Oklahoma. Memorial donations may be made to First Mennonite Brethren Church, 8000 W. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67205.