Obituary of Richard “Dick” Runyon Richard Ray Runyon, age 92, died on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at Colonial Oaks Health Care in Marion. He was born in Marion on March 14, 1926, the son of Virgil Glee Runyon and Mildred (Pierce) Runyon. In 1944, Richard graduated from Marion High School, where he ran track and engaged in other sports.
That same year, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Force and proudly served his country as an Engineering Draftsman based in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was honorably discharged in 1946, obtaining the WWII Victory and America Area ribbon. He is a member of Disabled American Veterans.
On July 20, 1947, he married Lois Irene Parks at First Christian Church. They shared over 71 years of a marriage filled with laughter and challenges. When Dick returned from the Navy, he became a lifetime printer with employment at Lindley Box and Paper Co., Osborne Midwest, Wesley Press, and Bainbridge Printing Co., from where he retired.
Dick continued to enjoy sports and was a winning pitcher for the American Legion League and Lindley Box. He played basketball in a church league. He was an avid outdoorsman…as the rabbits and squirrels found out.
He had an appreciation of art and attended local showings, as well as gospel concerts, especially when Gaither songs could be heard. Dick’s favorite vacation area was the Smoky Mountains and any place his son was stationed. For many years, he was a faith-filled member and volunteer of First Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; son, Richard Allen Runyon, Crestview, FL; daughters, Diana Harvey and Linda (Lonnie, Jr.) Headley, both from Marion; 7 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 7 step-great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandsons; sister, Jackie Hillsamer, Michigan City; brother, William Runyon, Acworth, GA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents; in-laws, Will (Florence) Parks; sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Rosie Parks; brother-in-law, Rev. Phil Hillsamer; daughter-in-law, Debbie Runyon; and sons-in-law, Robert Harvey and Gary Johnson, Sr..
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2019, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave. , Marion, IN. Richard’s funeral service is at 12 noon on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at First Christian Church, 1970 N. Wabash Rd.
, Marion, IN. Additional visitation is from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Rev.
Roslyn Harrison will be officiating with burial following at Grant Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to First Christian Church. Online condolences may be made at www.
nswcares.com.
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