Richard Carlton Kuhn, 77, passed away peacefully from advanced Parkinson’s disease on June 19, 2026. Rick was born on September 17, 1948, in Evanston, Illinois, and spent his young life in Winnetka, graduating from New Trier High School in 1966. He attended Regis University in Denver, CO, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam war. Rick served on the USS Constellation in the western Pacific, and the USS Coronado, at the time the most advanced command ship in the world. He became a Communications Officer with the highest-level security clearance. Rick was stationed in San Diego, Seattle, Panama, Guam, where he survived Typhoon Omar, and, his favorite, Hawaii; and also served on the USS Hepburn, part of the Indian Ocean Task Force from Subic Bay in the Philippines, and the USS Bainbridge, the first nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser. After several decades of service and travel in the Navy, Rick retired first to Tucson, Arizona, then came to McKinney, Texas and worked for the Market Street Company, while helping care for his elderly parents. With the onset and progression of Parkinson’s, he spent the final years at the Sunrise Senior Living facility in Frisco, Texas.
Rick was beloved by all for his kindness, optimism and generosity of spirit. He was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus, and participated in their charitable activities at several of his parishes. Rick also served as an assistant Scout leader for Boy Scout troops at the bases where he was stationed in the US and in Panama. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Black Hawks and the Chicago Cubs, and was rewarded for his loyalty with their World Series win in 2016. Rick was also an avid chess player and always welcomed a chance for a friendly match.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Martin and Mary Darlene (Foley) Kuhn. He is survived by his sister, Donna (Robert) Wellington and brother, Jeffrey (Gail) Kuhn; nieces Lindsay (Will) Martin and Ashley (Matt) Lauria, and nephews Rob (Molly) Wellington and Jeffrey Thomas Kuhn, and 8 grand nieces and nephews. A private Requiem Mass will be held in Texas, followed by burial at the family grave plot in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois.