WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Richard Farr “Dick” Runyan, Sr., age 93 a descendant of pioneer Sturgis area families died Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
He was born May 13, 1919 in Sturgis son of the late Earle J. and Florence (Farr) Runyan.
Dick was a lifelong resident of Sturgis. In 1946 he married Lois Jeanne Baer in Muncie, Indiana.
Dick was a graduate of Indiana University in 1941 with an A.B. Degree in Journalism. He was a member of Sigma Delta Chi, Honorary Journalistic Fraternity and a life member of Sigma Nu Social Fraternity.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving with the 35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment of the 25th “Tropical Lightning” Division during WWII earning the rank of Lieutenant. Dick was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered during the Battle of Lupao in Luzon Philippine Islands. The armed forces of the Philippines awarded him with the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Philippine Defense Medal, the Philippine Independence Medal and the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge.
Dick was employed for 35 years with the Harter Corporation in Sturgis and held the position of Director of Advertising and Sales Promotions at the time of his retirement in 1981.
He was a Life Member (70 years) of B.P.O. Elks #1381 in Sturgis, Charter member and board member of the Sturgis Historical Society and a member of Neuman-Wenzel Post #73 American Legion in Sturgis.
Dick enjoyed playing golf, fishing, reading, gardening, traveling, photography and playing cards.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; one daughter: Deedra Runyan of Indianapolis, Indiana; two sons: Richard (Ann Glendening) Runyan of White Pigeon and Preston (Jane) Runyan of Sugar Grove, Illinois; five grandchildren: Kirk (Tammy) Johannesen of Columbus, Indiana, Cara (Eric) Stallsmith of Indianapolis, Indiana, Lindsey Runyan of Denver, Colorado, Madison Runyan of Sugar Grove, Illinois and Payton Runyan of Sugar Grove Illinois; two great grandchildren: McKenna Johannesen and Lucas Johannesen; one niece: Ruth Perry of Sturgis.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother: Charles Runyan.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 2nd at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. A Benevolent Protective Order of Elks memorial service will be held at 7:30 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home officiated by the B.P.O.E. #1381 Ritual Team. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. for a procession to Oak Lawn Cemetery where full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Runyan’s memory consider the Sturgis Elks Lodge, 66200 Grey Lake Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
