Richard Carl Muno passed away at the age of 76 on July 28, 2015, following a long, brave battle with Alzheimer's. Rich was born July 2, 1939, in Arapaho, OK, to Randolph and Julie Muno. He was the fourth of five children. Beginning early in his life, Rich showed a talent for art. From the age of nine, he loved wood carving and often made his own toys on the farm. This love continued to develop into bronze sculpture. Upon graduating high school, Rich began pursuing a Commercial Art and Advertising degree at Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee, OK. While there, he met and fell in love with Norma Faye Simpson. They were married on October 14, 1960. During this time, he also served in the Army National Guard. Rich's life has been one filled with family, art, antiques, travel and adventure. He worked five years at the Thomas Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, OK, serving positions as a preparator
and photographer. He spent twenty years at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center serving in positions a managing director, deputy director, art director, curator and exhibit specialist. In 1985, he chose to become a full-time sculptor and woodcarver. He has created numerous gallery works in wood and bronze for private, corporate and foreign collectors. He has life-size and heroic bronze sculptures in Edmond, Oklahoma City and Clinton, OK; Pampa, TX; Colorado Springs, CO; and Boston, MA. Rich derived great enjoyment and satisfaction in developing concepts and sculpting models for clients. He gained many honors and awards for his art work including listings in
Who's Who in American Art
,
Who's Who in the Southwest
,
Men of Achievement
and
Dictionary of American Sculptors
. He portrayed an importance of honesty, virtue, discipline, generosity, humor and hard work. He was a godly man who loved his family and will be missed greatly by many.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Pauline Schmidt, and brother and sister-in-law Ted and Nadine Muno. He is survived by his wife Norma, daughter Iris Muno Jordan, and son and daughter-in-law Will and Summer Muno and grandchildren Pacie, Kylie and Addison Muno all of Edmond, OK. Also surviving him are his brothers Clarence (Gail) Muno of Clinton, OK, and Edward (Vera) Muno of Edmond, OK, along with numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Friday, July 31
st
, at First Baptist Church in Edmond, 1300 E. 33
rd
Street, Edmond, OK 73013. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to First Baptist Church, Edmond, OK.
