Donald Lee Runyon

Donald Runyon, age 93, was called home to be with the Lord on January 3, 2025, one day shy of his 94th birthday, after a long and fulfilling life. Don passed away at home with his youngest daughter by his side.

Don was born on January 4, 1931, in Richland Township, Illinois, the 5th of 10 children to William “Billie” and Mary “Effie” Runyon. At age 17, he was drafted for the Korean War and stationed in Guam for three years. Prior to his discharge, he was served with a one-year involuntary extension and transferred to Camp Carson in Colorado Springs. It was there he met the love of his life, Toni Sanchez, while walking down the street. They married on October 2, 1950, in Colorado Springs.

Don worked various jobs after his Honorable Discharge from the US Army but found his true calling when he was hired by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office on January 1, 1967. For the next 24 years, Don proudly served his community before retiring on January 31, 1991, as a Lieutenant. He had a strong work ethic and took great pride in his job and mentoring newly hired deputies. In addition, Don served with and retired from the Security Volunteer Fire Department from March 10, 1959, to April 1, 1979, serving as the Captain from 1965 to 1967.

Don could not sit idly by and was always busy with home improvements, making various lawn ornaments or playing with his dogs. Although he vowed no more dogs after having to put down a beloved pet, a new puppy would always arrive within a month or two.

Don was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed listing off their successes and accomplishments to anyone who would ask or listen. However, a close second to his family was his love of fishing and camping. He could not drive by a body of water without stopping and “throwing in a line” and rarely did the big one ever get away.

Don was a devout Catholic and parish member of Holy Family Catholic Church and later Saint Dominic's. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Toni; father and mother, Billie and Effie Runyon; a daughter and son-in-law, Sheri and Don Howard; 5 brothers, Roscoe, James “Jimmy,” Harry, Richard, and Larry; 3 sisters, Oma Seaton, Elsie Seaton, and Pauline Ryals; and one grandson, Jason Farmer.

He is survived by two daughters, Jean (Timothy) Keenan and Brenda (Joseph) Breister; one son, Donald ”Billy” Runyon; one sister, Helen Harris; 12 grandchildren, Jenny (Steve) Duncan, Donna (Mike) Sisk, Michelle Farmer, Donald (Joanne) Howard, Christopher (Holly) Howard, Tim (Laura) Runyon, Thom Runyon, Jesse (Sunnie) Runyon, Toni (Ray) Trujillo, Tim Denton, Nikole (Frankie) Barker, and Amber Breister, as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Swan Law Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 22, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, with a rosary prayer to follow.

Funeral Services will be the following day, Thursday, January 23, at 11:00 am at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 5354 S. Hwy 85, Colorado Springs, CO 80911.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Abode Hospice, Colorado Springs, Colorado