Donald Runyan

On Sunday, January 24, 2021, Dr. Donald Clyde Runyan, aka "Doc" and "Papa," died of complications from spinal surgery at Carle Clinic in Champaign-Urbana, IL, at age 92.

Doc is survived by his wife Millie Hall Runyan of Robinson, IL. She was the love of his life and his best friend for over 64 years. He lives on in his children Dani Runyan Pitt of Robinson, IL, Rhonda Runyan(and Chris) Leauber of Watertown, TN, Jolie Runyan (and Ron) Finkbiner of Surprise, AZ, and Kevin (and Angela) Runyan of Granger, IN. He leaves behind five treasured grandchildren: Benjamin Pitt, Brooke Pulley, Anika (and Trey) Currie, and Destin Finkbiner (and Madeleine Feuquay), Sophia Runyan, and seven great-grandchildren Danielle Arndt, Faith Pulley, Isaiah Pitt, Rain, and Griffin Panetti, Irelann Currie, Aesa Finquay and one great-great-grandson Mikolaus Arndt. He is survived by his sister Carol Patton whose husband Jerry he regarded as a brother, numerous nieces, nephews, as well as his cat Newby.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Dulcie Runyan of Wichita, Kansas, his siblings Edwin (and Grace) Runyan, Nina (and Sanford) Hay, Phyllis (and Hershel) Davis, Oren "Rusty" Runyan, Randy Runyan, Faith Runyan and Max Runyan who both passed as children.

Doc was born on August 1, 1928, in Wellington, KS, to parents Dulcie and Edwin Runyan. He served in the army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed overseas. He graduated from Union College in Lincoln, NE, with a degree in Music Education and went on to obtain a master's degree from Indiana University and a Ph. D in Music Education / Vocal Pedagogy from Peabody-Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

Doc married Millie Hall in 1956 and began his family and teaching career at Indiana Academy in Cicero, IN that same year. He went on to teach at Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, PA, in 1963. In 1968, he accepted a position in the Music Department of Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN, where he taught until 1986.

In 1987 he moved to Robinson, IL, to led the Music and Theater Departments at Lincoln Trail College until 1993. After his "retirement" he continued to teach there part-time as an adjunct professor until 2015. He also taught private voice lessons in his home until 2018. He finally truly retired in 2018 at 90 years of age. During his time at Lincoln Trail College, he founded and directed the Children's Summer Theater Workshop, which introduced area children to the performing arts.

Doc was formerly a member of Robinson First United Methodist Church, where he served for many years as Choir Director. He treasured his church family. However, his lifelong quest for understanding scripture, exploring spirituality, and connecting with his Higher Power eventually led him out of denominational affiliation and into the belief that God is Love and Love transcends organized religion.

During his "retirement", Doc opened "Papa's Bookstore" in Robinson, IL, where he shared his love of literature with the community at large. He served on the Crawford County School Board, The Robinson Library Board, and was a member of the Robinson Kiwanis Club. Doc performed in many LTC theater productions and was active in the LTC Choir until he was 89 years old. He believed in giving back to the community, which had made his family so welcome, and he was passionately devoted to promoting arts and education in Crawford County.

Doc will be remembered as a lifelong learner and teacher. He was a devoted patriarch who taught his family the meaning of unconditional love and forgiveness. He was a charismatic, tender, quirky, generous, and loving man who lived with gusto and grace. He was a gift to all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Carle Clinic, Timber Creek, and Goodwine Funeral Homes for their excellent care at this difficult time.

A time of visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 31st at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Millie and Doc's Life Celebration will immediately follow and will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. A live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream.

Memorial donations can be made to "Lincoln Trail College Performing Arts Department"

Checks may be mailed to:
Goodwine Funeral Homes
303 E Main St.
Robinson, IL 62454