Gary Runge (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Gary Lee Runge, son of Lawrence Henry and Etha Pauline Hart Runge, was born January 14, 1955, in Davenport, Iowa. He departed this life Monday, March 16, 2015, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of sixty years, two months, and two days.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence H Runge and Pauline Hart Bailey; and two brothers, Gregory Allen Runge, and James Moore.
Gary is survived by three sons, Lawrence Z. “Zeb” Runge, of Lebanon, Missouri, Jesse James Runge and his wife Jennifer, of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Cole Gann, of Lebanon, Missouri; a daughter, Hannah Lee Runge, of Lebanon, Missouri; two grandchildren, Kodee and Kaylee; his fiancée, Cindy Judge, of Lebanon, Missouri; two brothers, Richard Moore, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Lawrence Runge, of Chicago, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born in Davenport, Iowa and was raised in the Quad Cities area. He entered the military as a young man, and served his country faithfully in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in San Antonio, Texas where he operated a centrifuge. After being honorably discharged, he made his home in Missouri, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and in Kentucky before returning to Lebanon. He was employed as a line foreman for Sprint Corporation for a number of years before retiring.
Gary was a talented musician, played several different instruments, and was a well known drummer for various local bands through the years. He had been the drummer for the Sid Fox Band that played in the Lake of the Ozarks area for several years.
He had his professional pilot’s license and loved to fly. He liked antique cars and enjoyed restoring them. He was a friendly man that never met a stranger. He possessed a giving heart and was always willing to help others. He embodied the Bible verse, “Love thy Neighbor”. He was a natural comedienne and had a hilarious sense of humor. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren.
Gary was a loving father, grandfather, fiancé, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his sixty years.
Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, and left at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Gary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gary?
Share a story where Gary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gary you’ll never forget.
How did Gary make you smile?