Benjamin Ben Runyon

Benjamin “Ben� Runyon, age 81, of Moline, died Saturday, November 20, 2010 at home with his family by his side. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. 6601-38th Avenue, Moline, with Pastor Bill Nelson officiating. Visitation is Tuesday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial is at Coal Valley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Building Fund at First Free Will Baptist Church in Moline. Ben was born December 17, 1928 in Davenport, the son of Ed and Minnie (Nichols) Runyon. He married Rhoda Kepple on May 19, 1962 at Memorial Church in Rock Island. Ben was employed for 25 years as an inspector in the tool room at John Deere Harvester, retiring in 1989. He was a graduate of Davenport Central High School. Ben was a long time member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Moline. He played Davenport fast pitch softball, and he enjoyed following his grandkids sports activities. SURVIVORS Wife Rhoda Runyon Daughters Tamara Runyon Moline Tracy (Larry) Cockayne Davenport Taralee Schmeink Davenport Special friends Mike Hupton & Dave Birdsley Hospice nurses Elizabeth & Lynn Grandchildren Alaina Lindsey Robert Graham III Karalee Graham Michael Schmeink, Jr. Daniel Graham Megan Schmeink Great grandsons Deyon & Daylin Moore Brother Gene Runyon Burlington, IA He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Harold & Howard Runyon. Online condolences may be expressed to Ben’s family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahl.com.