Franklin S. Runyon, Sr.

Franklin S. Runyon, Sr., 90, of Lebanon, IL, died Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at his residence.

Frank was born on November 30, 1927, to John and Mabel (nee McCracken) Runyon, in Breese, IL. On January 14, 1950, he married Marcella Gibson in St. Louis, MO.

He was a member of West Gate Baptist Church, Trenton, IL, and a member of International Molders & Allied Workers Local 327.

Frank was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Family meant everything to him. He was the custodian and usher for Calvary Baptist Church for many years before it closed. He drove the bus for the youth group every Sunday morning. He worked at McKendree University as a custodian. Frank was a huge St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He played cow pasture baseball with Red Schoendienst in Breese, IL, when he was young. Frank was an easy going, simple man that never met a stranger, very proud of his faith in God, and wanted everyone to know.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Marcella Runyon, Lebanon, IL; children, Frank Runyon Jr., Lebanon, IL, Karen (James) Freant, Wentzville, MO, Sharon (Bill) Crocker, Ellsberry, MO, Betty Jo (special friend, Gary Karraker) Smith, Lebanon, IL, Donna Mooney, Lebanon, IL, Richard Runyon, Lebanon, IL; son-in-law, Don Pendegraft, Lebanon, IL; siblings, Athlen (George) Vinson, Cedartown, GA, Phyllis Rollins, Acworth, GA, Phillip Runyon, Rome, GA, ImoGene Evans, Cedartown, GA, Cecil Runyon, GA; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mabel Runyon; daughter, Pat Pendegraft; grandson, JR Smith; siblings, Louise Runyon, Mary Foster, John Calvin Runyon Jr., Opal Smith, David Runyon; son-in-law, Carl Smith Jr.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL or West Gate Baptist Church, Trenton, IL.

Visitation: Saturday, February 24, 2018, from 9:00 to 10:15 am, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 24, 2018, 10:15 am, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

Clergy: Rev. Dr. Don Wagner, Rev. Margaret Lee

Interment: College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, IL.

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.