Carl “Jack” Runyan
July 18th, 1933 - October 18th, 2021
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Jack's Obituary
Carl “Jack” Runyan, 88, of Buchanan, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 18, 2021, at home surrounded by his family.
Jack was born on July 18, 1933, to Carl W. and Ila V. (Harvel) Runyan in Buchanan, MI. He graduated from Buchanan High School in 1951. Following graduation, he attended the University of South Carolina on a football scholarship, eventually returning to complete his studies and football career at Western Michigan University, where he graduated in 1956. A life-long educator, Jack began his teaching career at Belleville schools, before returning as one of the original Brandywine High School faculty in 1961. He coached football and wrestling, with several of his wrestlers earning all-state honors. He spent the bulk of his teaching career at Edwardsburg High School, retiring in 1989. Jack enjoyed horses, hunting and extensive traveling with his wife, Marion. Most of all, Jack cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jack is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marion Runyan, five children, and 14 grandchildren: Patricia (John, Jr.) Mook, their children Jennie (Nate) Calcamuggio, Nick Mook, John Mook III, and Dan Mook; Rod (Kim) Runyan and children Kyle (Will) Norman, and Brett (John Hutchinson) Runyan; Cheri Haslock and children Abraham Hemple, Catherine (Corey) Marsh, and John Haslock; Bonnie (Dave) DeRidder and children Robert (Laurie) Selbie, Emory DeRidder, and Tyler (Stephanie) Selbie; Jennie Linville and children Amber Linville, and Terra Pair; and many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Bil Runyan, and sisters, Betty Couchman and Carlene Harroff.
Cremation has taken place. A private family celebration will be held at a later date. Inurnment will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Memorial contributions in Jack’s name may be made to Caring Circle of Lakeland, or First United Methodist Church. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan.
Jack was born on July 18, 1933, to Carl W. and Ila V. (Harvel) Runyan in Buchanan, MI. He graduated from Buchanan High School in 1951. Following graduation, he attended the University of South Carolina on a football scholarship, eventually returning to complete his studies and football career at Western Michigan University, where he graduated in 1956. A life-long educator, Jack began his teaching career at Belleville schools, before returning as one of the original Brandywine High School faculty in 1961. He coached football and wrestling, with several of his wrestlers earning all-state honors. He spent the bulk of his teaching career at Edwardsburg High School, retiring in 1989. Jack enjoyed horses, hunting and extensive traveling with his wife, Marion. Most of all, Jack cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jack is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marion Runyan, five children, and 14 grandchildren: Patricia (John, Jr.) Mook, their children Jennie (Nate) Calcamuggio, Nick Mook, John Mook III, and Dan Mook; Rod (Kim) Runyan and children Kyle (Will) Norman, and Brett (John Hutchinson) Runyan; Cheri Haslock and children Abraham Hemple, Catherine (Corey) Marsh, and John Haslock; Bonnie (Dave) DeRidder and children Robert (Laurie) Selbie, Emory DeRidder, and Tyler (Stephanie) Selbie; Jennie Linville and children Amber Linville, and Terra Pair; and many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Bil Runyan, and sisters, Betty Couchman and Carlene Harroff.
Cremation has taken place. A private family celebration will be held at a later date. Inurnment will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Memorial contributions in Jack’s name may be made to Caring Circle of Lakeland, or First United Methodist Church. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan.
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