Donald Runyon

Donald J. Runyon of Rantoul passed away Dec.1, 2024, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells. He was born May 6, 1930, in Mt. Carmel, a son of Frances (Shearer) Runyon and Mefford D. Runyon. He graduated from Rantoul High School in 1948. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 1951 and served two years active duty in the Korean War. Afterwards, he served six years in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves. He married Lora B. Peacher on May 15, 1954, in Thomasboro. She survives. Don earned his degree in blue printing while serving in the Marines which he then used while he worked in construction, building homes and doing concrete work until his retirement at the age of 78. He and Lora owned and operated Country Tyme Lanes in Rantoul for 20 years until they sold it in 2007. Don was an avid bowler for many years and was inducted into the Champaign County Bowling Hall of Fame in 2001. He and Lora also square danced for several years with the Boots and Bows Club. He was a life member of the American Legion and VFW Don is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lora; his daughter, Marilyn Reale; his son, Mike (Brenda) Runyon; grandsons, Jeremy Reale, Jason Reale, Aaron (Jill) Runyon and Garre (Danielle) Runyon; and four great-grandchildren, Gwen, Simon, Rhys and Drew. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Runyon; and his special son-in-law, Jeff Reale. There will be a celebration of life For Don at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18 at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 East Grove, Rantoul.  Rev. Robert Freeman will officiate.  There will be time to greet his family for an hour prior to the service.