Donald Runyan

Donald James Runyan passed away October 20, 2021 at the age of 77. He was born on December 12, 1943 in Denver, Colorado. In August of 1960, his mother, Elizabeth married Carl Runyan. Carl adopted Don and four of his siblings. Don went to Arvada High School and enjoyed playing the trombone in the marching band and participating in school and church musicals. He graduated from Arvada High School in 1961.

In 1962, Don traveled to Ireland where he served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for two years. He enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a cook for the troops. He developed a love of cooking and could whip up a mean hamburger gravy. After his service, he trained as an Apprentice Electrician working his way to a Master Electrician and General Contractor. He started a construction business with his brother-in-law, Ray and together they built many LDS chapels. Don also built the family home where he and Susan raised their family for fifty years.

Don married his sweetheart, Susan in 1969 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they had seven children. Don worked for many years for the LDS Church maintaining and servicing the church buildings and retired in 2009. He had an incredible work ethic passing knowledge to his sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons. He could fix just about anything. This work ethic extended to his service in the church and magnified his callings. He was a home-teacher, scout master, mission leader, ward clerk, and served with Susan in the Denver LDS Temple. Don enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, and camping. He volunteered his time at fund-raising events and dedicated his life to serving others. He was always there to lend a helping hand and always said “keep up the good work!”. His greatest joy was his family and his devotion to his faith.

Donald is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan; and seven children, Donald Jr. (Danielle), Kimberly (Todd), Roxanne (Patrick), Stacey, Tiffany (Jason), Randy (Katelyn), and Ryan (Ashley); and sixteen grandchildren, Jordan, Brynna, Tyler, Emily, Abraham, Sayler, Alice, London, Zack, Donald III, Presley, Van, Brooks, Jovie, Brinley and Dillyn. In addition, he is survived by his siblings, Bob Seymour, Mike (Nancy) Runyan, and Bonnie (Ray) Davis. Donald is preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth; his father, Carl; and brothers Jerry Runyan, Jerry Seymour, David Runyan, and sister Kathy Peterson.

Don left this life with an undeniable testimony of his savior, Jesus Christ. He knew because of Christ’s atonement and resurrection he would see his loved ones again. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, Don will be dearly missed. We say goodbye for now, but not forever.

The family would like to thank the caring, kind, and supportive medical staff at Swedish Medical Center over the past month.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 12th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 6465 W. Jewell Ave. Lakewood, CO 80232. There will be a public viewing from 10:30-11:30, and the service will commence at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at Fort Logan National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer in honor of his great nephew, Jette Davis and his grandson Zack Schultz at https://www.alexslemonade.org

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