Frank J. Runyon, 71, of Olney, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney after a bout with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney with burial in the church cemetery.

Frank was born May 26, 1944 in Olney, the son of George B. and Erma (Rennier) Runyon.  He married Karen Lewis on August 31, 1963 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney.

Frank owned and operated Runyon's Nursery and Garden Center for 45 years.  He received his tree expert license from the State of Illinois in 1968 and using that education was able to start his business and expand into gardening and landscape design.  Frank loved animals, he loved his dogs.  He was a very social person who touched and guided so many young adults throughout the years.  He enjoyed sky diving, motorcycles, and anything that ended in fun.  He took pride in always having a joke to tell.  Frank loved spending time with his family and friends and will be missed by all those that knew him.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney.

Frank is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen Runyon of Olney; daughter, Michelle Runyon-Lamb and husband Keith of Olney; son, Scott Runyon and girlfriend Jennifer Kaitschuk of St. Louis, MO; three grandsons, Adam, Alex, and Blake Runyon of St. Louis, MO; brothers, Norman Runyon and wife Mary, George "Pud" Runyon and wife Shirley, and Ed Runyon and wife Joyce; sister, Norma Runyon-Lane; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Kenneth Runyon, and sisters, Mary Anne Heindselman and Karen Louis Runyon.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Richland  Animal Shelter.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home obituary posted - May 2, 2016