Richard Runyan

Richard "Dick, The Duck" Runyan passed away Monday, July 10, 2023, three weeks shy of his 89th birthday. He was born July 31, 1934, to parents Ira and Ida (Visscher) Runyan, joining brothers Ed Vischer, Robert Runyan, and sister Sharon Rothenbuhler.

He graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1952. A veteran of the US Army and Army Reserves, he served from 1957 through 1959 as helicopter crew chief and mechanic in the 16th Sky Cavalry Ft. Hood Texas. He was an avid car enthusiast with an obsession for Corvettes, which inspired his 44-year career as owner of Runyan Southtown Service Center, his auto shop, where Corvette and Corvair repair was his specialty.

The enthusiasm didn't stop there as Dick was a lifelong member of National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC), the Fort Wayne Corvette Club where he had been a past Governor, the Corvette Club of Indiana, Sports Car Club of America, as well as a past member of the Fort Wayne Region Sports Car Club of America and an accomplished autocross driver.  It was during the SCCA events where he met Sue (Wells) Evinger who also raced, and on September 8, 1979, the two were married. Not only did they travel around participating and racing together, they helped with Formula One races in Detroit together. It was also through his love of Corvettes where a typo earned him a new nickname, Duck that would stick with him.  The Duck’s passion for Corvettes was exceeded only by his devotion and love for his family.

He is survived by his adored wife, Sue (Wells) Runyan; his beloved children, Michael (Caroline) Runyan, Ken (Ann Sproull) Runyan, and Kim Runyan; his grandchildren, Brandy, Sam, Case, Joy, Tia, Carrie, and Luke; 6 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews as well as many friends in his Corvette and SCCA family. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by infant son Kirk Runyan, brothers, George Runyan, Bob Runyan and Ed Visscher: and sister Sharon Rothenbuhaler.

He touched many lives with his gracious heart, endearing personality, competitive nature, and boisterous laugh. He taught the importance of having the right tool for the job and trying new things. Though The Duck has received his final checkered flag, he leaves behind a legacy that sparked a multi-generational love and devotion to family, corvettes, and racing, passions carried on by his loved ones.

A celebration of Dick's life will be from 2 to 8 pm Friday, July 28, 2023 at the Aboite Township Community Room, 11321 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne with military honors being rendered by the U.S. Army and a sharing of memories starting at 4 pm. Memorial donations may be given in his memory to Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control or NCCC/ Indiana Region Scholarship Fund. Donations may be mailed to DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, IN 46725. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send his family online condolences or sign the online guest book.