×

Richard Derrill Runion

Richard Derrill Runion, 76, of Parkersburg, passed away April 16, 2013, at his residence.

He was born June 7, 1936, in Wood County, a son of the late Roy E. and Clarabelle Collins Runion. He attended Grace College in Indiana. He was employed by E.I. DuPont for 27 years, and was a pastor for over 30 years, serving the Lauckport Baptist Church and the Torch Baptist Church of which he was currently a member. He had attended the Shenandoah Baptist Church in Roanoke, Va. for 13 months. He was an accomplished artist in the pen and ink medium and was awarded recognition for his work by the Parkersburg Art Center.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Sue (Spiker) Runion; son, Andrew Runion (Kathy) of Mineral Wells, W.Va.; daughter, Deborah Lockhart (Randal) of Monroeville, Ala.; son, Steven Runion (Kathy) of Waverly, W.Va.; daughter, Sharon Elliott (Stephen) of Washington, W.Va.; and daughter, Melissa Elliott (Timothy) of Roanoke, Va.; 13 grandchildren, Jasmine Hudson, Austin Lockhart, Ashley Bills, Alisha Davis, Caleb Runion, Brittnie Saliba, Dr. Nick Pickrell, Jessica Tennant, Hannah Teague and Chloe, Naomi, Isaac and Simon Elliott; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Max (Fern) Runion of Florida; and sister, Pamela James of Parkersburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Runion.

Richard was a man who went looking for those who needed encouragement and hope from the Lord. He spent his life filling an unselfish calling for the spiritual and physical needs of others whom the Lord put in his path. He was a precious and loving husband, a gentle and caring father, and an attentive and adoring grandfather. Above all else, he loved his Lord Jesus Christ. He had a faith that left you breathless and in awe of the God he served.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Dr. Whitney, Dr. Siva, Dr. Maijub, Dr. Dugan, the Housecalls Hospice Team and to Pastor Joe Law and the church family. Thank you for your thoughtful care and concern. He that refreshes will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NIV.

A celebration of life will be 1 p.m. Thursday at the Torch Baptist Church, with Pastor Joe Law officiating. The family will receive friends 10-12 a.m. Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Torch Baptist Church Deacons Fund, 4047 Ellis Road, Coolville, OH, 45723.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.leavittfuneralhome.com