Monday, July 1, 2019

Obituary -- Kenny Runyon 1957-2019

Kenton Jay "Kenny" Runyon, 61, passed peacefully Friday, June 28, 2019 surrounded by his family at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa, due to complications resulting from a stroke. 

Family and friends may join us for a celebration of Kenny's life at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri on Saturday, July 13, at 11 AM. The service will be followed by a luncheon at the Christian Church in Sheridan, Missouri and burial at Isadora Cemetery in Isadora, Missouri. Kenny chose this burial site because it overlooks places he loved, his father's farms, the river we swam in and fished as children, and where most of the Runyon family is buried. All are welcome to attend any and all events.

 Kenny was born in Ringgold County Hospital on August 27, 1957 to Jake and Lou Runyon. He grew up in southern Iowa and graduated from Mt. Ayr Community High School. Kenny was a gifted musician, winning the Bill Riley Talent Show at the age of 9. He was also a star athlete, excelling at baseball and football. After graduating from high school, he attended Drake University in Des Moines and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. His passion for music remained constant throughout his life, leading him to play guitar in a variety of bands, including his family's band, Lou and the Family Affair, Heartland Express, and Maury Goode and the Country Gentlemen.   He is survived by his father and mother, his beloved son Lucas Runyon, stepfather Merrill Thornton, brother Scott (Kim Baer) Runyon, and sister Suzanne (Randy) Meeks.​ 

 The family extends special thanks to Dr. John Fell and Mercy Hospice for their care and service to Kenny and his family during this difficult time.​ Kenny was a lifelong advocate for the homeless. Donations in his name will be welcomed at Central Iowa Shelter and Services, which provides shelter, services and job training for homeless adults. You may donate online at ​centraliowashelter.org​ or by mail to Central Iowa Shelter & Services, 1420 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.


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