Michael Dean Runyon

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Runyon, a devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend, who left this world peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on Saturday, January 3, 1948, in Tacoma, Washington. Michael was a proud resident of Bonne Terre, Missouri, where he made lasting memories and connections.

 A veteran who selflessly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, Michael was awarded several distinguished honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. His call to serve instilled in him a deep sense of duty and commitment to his community. 

Michael dedicated over three decades of his life to the automotive industry, retiring from Chrysler as an assembly worker. He was an active member of both the United Auto Workers Local 110 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2426, where he was a life member, embodying the values of camaraderie and support for fellow veterans. Michael was also a dedicated member of the Samaritan Masonic Lodge No. 424, where he served as Past District Deputy Grand Lecturer, and he enjoyed a long affiliation with the Shriners International in Lebanon, Missouri. He also attended Providence Baptist Church, in Bonne Terre, where he cherished his faith and the friendships he nurtured.

 Known for his warm spirit and unwavering kindness, Michael never met a stranger. He possessed a genuine love for life, whether it was casting lines for trout and crappie; often demonstrating his exceptional skills in fly fishing, playing a round of golf, or sharing laughter over a deck of cards with friends. Travel nourished his adventurous soul, though his heart found its truest home in Bennett Springs.

Michael was preceded in death by his father Delbert Runyon and mother Wanda (O’Ferrell) Chamberlain, as well as his step-father Lester Chamberlain, though not related by blood, took on the true aspect of father in raising, guiding and showing love to Michael at a young age His cherished wife of 54 years, Donna Sue (Young) Runyon; two grandchildren, Ashley Nicole and Corey Michael Runyon; a twin sister to Michael, Patricia Jean Runyon; two other siblings, Goldie Mingus and Zeke Chamberlain.

 Michael is took immense pride in his role as a father to son, Michael Runyon and wife Tracy, and his daughter, Misty Moore, and husband Allen; and was a beloved grandpa to three grandchildren, Joseph, Matthew and Karlie Misuraca; and three great grandchildren, Gabriel, Benjamin and Jaxson Misuraca; He also leaves behind 3 brothers, George, David and Dan Runyon, one sister Juanita Chamberlain; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer Funeral Home in Desloge on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 9 pm. A VFW service and Masonic service will be held at 6:00 pm to honor Michael. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 9:00 am until service time of 11:00 am., with Chaplain Josiah Muncy officiating. Burial and Military honors will follow where Michael will be laid to rest by his wife Donna Sue at Three Rivers Cemetery in Farmington, Missouri. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made in Michaels honor to Serenity Hospice or Shiners Children’s Hospital.

In this time of loss and reflection, we remember Michael Runyon not only for his many accomplishments but also for the warmth and joy he brought to our lives. Let us carry his memory forward in our hearts and actions, just as he would have wanted.