Richard Allen Runyon, 79, Marion, was surrounded by his family when he went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in his home at 11:43 a.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2018. He was born in Greenup, Kentucky, to the late Ace and Hattie (Bellamy) Runyon and moved to Indiana with his family when he was six years old. He graduated from Knightstown High School, received his B.A. degree in pastoral ministries from Olivet Nazarene College and his Master’s degree from Ball State University.
While in college, Richard met Reta Bradford on a blind date. Their love grew for each other and they were married on August 6, 1961, in Landess, Indiana. He was a faithful, devoted, loving husband, as well as a stern, but kind and loving, dad. Above all, Richard was a wonderful Christian who served his Heavenly Father faithfully and fervently for 70 years.
Richard taught 29 years with Mississinewa Community Schools and continued working with the school system afterwards driving a school bus for 21 years.
Richard served as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene for most of his adult life. His most recent ministerial assignment was as the associate pastor of Swayzee Church of the Nazarene for the last several years. For a number of years, he was Prime Time director of the N.E.I. Nazarene church district.
Richard had a genuine love for people. He participated on several work mission trips and considered it a real joy to minister to others. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking/crafts. He had also farmed in his earlier years.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Reta; son, Rodney (Lisa) Runyon, Portland, Tennessee; daughter, Rochelle (Tim) Page, Marion; grandchildren, Nathan Runyon, Austin (Amy) Runyon, and Makayla Page; brother, Delbert (Marilyn) Runyon, Westport; sister, Barbara Young, Shirley; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters and two brothers.
The family will receive visitors from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Services to celebrate Richard’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, 2018, at the funeral home with Rev. Michael Konkle, Dr. Bill Hamby, Rev. Wes Ball, and Dr. David Roland officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.