Richard “Dick” L. Runyon

Richard “Dick” L. Runyon, 76, of Maquon, passed away at 3:48am on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at OSF St. Mary’s Hospital in Galesburg, IL. He had suffered a recent fall and illness that progressed prior to his sudden passing on Thanksgiving morning. He was born on September 28, 1947, in Peoria, IL, to Gene and Betty (Sandall) Runyon. He was with his long-time love Tancy Mitchell for 34 years. She survives. He is also survived by his children Rhonda (late David) Bradt, Robin (Mike Maxwell) Runyon, Curt Runyon, Breeanne (Jason) Mills, Season (Kevin Eklund) Mitchell; grandchildren Hayden and Kynzie Bradt, Nich (Ciara) Ulm, Austyn (Zak McCaddon) Jennings, Payton Jennings, Justyce (Austin Larson) Jennings, Jersee and Jaclyn Mills, Harli Powell & Kaden and baby Eklund 2024; great-grandchildren Lynea & Forrest, Mila & Kaisyn, Kinsley and Truen. One sister Trudy (Ken) Howard survives along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and other extended family members. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-laws Randy & Debbie Barton and Renee & Chris Boisen. He was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings Duane Runyon, Janice Reicheneker, Nancy (George) Reicheneker, Dale (Roseann) Runyon, Patty (Gary) Fincham, Mary (Don) Carroll, Terry Runyon, Chuck (Pat) Runyon, and Mike Runyon.

Dick graduated Elmwood High School in 1965 and enlisted in the US Navy the following September. He was a radioman on a ship patrolling the coast during the Vietnam War for 3 years. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was receiving treatment this past year due to exposure from Agent Orange during his years of service close to the coast and

when docking on land. When he left the service he worked for a short time at Caterpillar before taking a job at Pabst Brewing Co. in Peoria Heights. He worked for them until they closed in

1982. He then worked as a custodian for the Yates City and Farmington Central School Districts for 25 years until retirement. He was a member of the Fairview Legion Post 644.

Tancy had young children when they began their relationship and he soon felt like a second dad and a blended family was formed. He loved her kids like he loved his own! He made his mother’s homemade noodles for their Christmas dinner every year. And they soon became

accustomed to his regular requirement of his popcorn and milk nightly snack or meal.

He was an avid fisherman his whole life, deer hunter in his early years and loved to stomp the grounds looking for morel mushrooms. He loved his scratch off lotto tickets and the occasional trip to the casino boats with Tancy over the years. He was a lifelong Cubbie and Bears fan and also enjoyed watching Illini basketball. He and Tancy loved to attend and cheer on all the kids and grandkids in sporting events, various school activities or even go-kart racing. He was always a big supporter in whatever the kids were doing at the time.

“Dicky-do” always had a smile, hug, joke or listening ear for whomever needed it. He was a big teddy bear at heart and loved kids and would help you out if he could somehow. He loved to play pitch, drive to town for coffee or a paper, or catch up with an old friend on a regular basis while playing the poker machines. He enjoyed watching game shows on tv and doing his crossword puzzles.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the funeral home. Burial of ashes and military rites will follow at Elmwood Township Cemetery. Please feel free to dress casual as Dick was a simple man.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois.

To leave online condolences or view Dick’s video tribute, please visit

www.oakhinesfuneralhome.com

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.