Jerry was born on October 24, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the older of two children born to Homer Runyan and Erma (Cage) Runyan. Jerry also had a half-sister Ginny Mae Schuman.
Jerry graduated from Emmanuel High School in Kansas City, Missouri with the class of 1949.
In 1949 Jerry married Ruth Huebner in Kansas City, Missouri. Jerry joined the Marine Corp in 1951 and served until 1953 when he joined the Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1958.
In 1953, Jerry joined the local painter’s union as his grandfather, uncles and father had before him. As the third generation in the painting industry, Jerry’s career in commercial painting led him from working in the field to eventually being Vice President of Ammon Painting Company where he worked from 1955 until his retirement in 1991. During that time, in 1972, Jerry was awarded the contract of Kansas City’s new sports complex which was one of many landmark jobs he managed in the city during his career. Jerry remained close to the Ammon family and later accepted the assignment of President and Trustee until the company closed for good in 2008.
In addition to his long standing career in the local Kansas City construction industry, Jerry also served on the Johnson County Sherriff’s patrol for a short time. He was in numerous bowling leagues, was a member of the Lions Club, The Builders Association and enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling with his wife. Above all else, Jerry loved his family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his son John Douglas Runyan and his brother Jim Runyan.
He is survived by his wife Ruth Runyan of the home; son Dennis Runyan and Jennifer of Garnett, Kansas; daughter-in-law Regena (Dave) McCoy of Kearney, Missouri; five grandchildren Shawn (Missy) Runyan, Jennifer (Esteban) Gutierrez, Jason (Jennifer) Runyan, Dana (Geoff) Maples, Kerrie (Jarrod) See; half-sister, Ginny Mae Schuman, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
A Visitation will be held from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on Sunday, August 5 followed by a 2:00pm Funeral Service at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. He will be buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery following the services.
