C. Joseph Runyon, D.C., N.M.D.
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Clyde Joseph Runyon was born May 11, 1939 in Chattaroy, West Virginia to Clyde Runyon and his wife Edna Ruth Burns. His father was a coal miner, injured in the mines.
Joseph grew up very poor. At one time his family lived in a chicken coop. He worked from an early age to both help support his family and to put food in his own stomach. This gave him a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, as well as a great compassion for those in need.
Joseph joined the Marines at 17 in an effort to stay out of the mines. He had a lifetime love of the Marine Corps. Due to the Corps his horizons were expanded. He was given a better education (gaining his GED) and even greater educational opportunities. He received a larger world view due to his travels. He learned of other cultures. This opened the opportunity to learn acupuncture before it became popular in the West. His time in the Marines included two tours of duty in Viet Nam. A friendship that lasted until death brought separation after close to 50 years.
After leaving the Marines he worked for a time for the Air Force as a civilian worker. And after several other jobs he found his love – bringing health and healing to his patients. He was a graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College. He obtained a degree as a Naturopathic Doctor. He expanded his knowledge of acupuncture. Joseph never stopped learning. He attended seminars even after retiring. He taught other doctors for many years. He taught technique and acupuncture. Joseph had a nutrition program on KCXL radio for 15 years.
He enjoyed umpiring for many years. At various times he was a member of Kiwanis Club, Toastmasters International, American Academy of Pain Management, American Naturopathic Medical Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1000, National Rifle Association, NRA Institute for Legislative Action, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. life membership, and Marine Corps League life membership, The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Ambassador’s Society of Cleveland Chiropractic College at Kansas City, International Craniopathic Society, Fellow of the Acupuncture Society of America and many more.
April 11, 1981 Joseph married the former Donna L. Harris in Gallup, New Mexico. He died October 11, 2014 at home. He is survived by his wife; daughters Kimberley Runyon of Independence, MO and Davita (Brian) Harm of Oak Grove, MO.; son Damon R. Runyon of Independence; grandchildren Aaron Runyon of Independence, Anna Sowards of West Virginia, Kian, Sebren and Riordan Trey Harm of Oak Grove; and great granddaughter, Isebella Brashear of West Virginia; sister Joyce Wolfram of Hamlin, West Virginia; brother Charles Ronald Runyon of Newark, Delaware and various nieces and nephews; and his “Hawaiian Mom” Louise Gregson and her family. He was preceded in death by his father Clyde Runyon; mother Edna Ruth Burns; step-father James Meador, sister Ruth Runyon; brothers John Frank and Robert G. Runyon. A visitation will be held 1-2 PM, Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Heartland, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, 64133. A memorial service will follow at 2PM.
On behalf of the Rosie Kelly family, we would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Runyon family. Rosie departed this life on August 23, 2014. My mom often spoke of how Dr. Runyon helped her to live a better quality life. Dr. Runyon was compassionate and very instrumental in providing excellent and quality care to his patients. He will be greatly missed. May his legency live on. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dr. Runyon was a kind and caring man. He had a passion for helping people to have healthy, pain-free lives while trusting in the Lord. He will be missed.
Dr. Runyon was a great doctor as well as friend and teacher. His kindness, love, and understanding will not be forgotten. I will miss his belief in health and healing but will lwt it lead me and keep me encouraged. May Donna and her family be in peace and healing and live a happy healthy life
We will miss you Joe, our old friend that we knew back East as a Printer, and followed in our years of the RLDS Church believing in the cause of Zion for Independence. “Joe”; Thanks for the times that you put us back together with your founded life’s work of being a DC.
From one Marine to another Marine: Semper Fidelis.
Donna and family
So sorry to read this life synopsis and have to say goodbye to my friend ,mentor ,health care giver and confidant. May God help you fill the vacancy and the grief that comes. Knowing he is at peace now is the good news.
Chuck
I am grateful for the life of Mr. Runyon. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Donna and family,
I am deeply saddened at our loss and I say our loss because Joseph was family. Love made it so when our son and your daughter married. With the arrival of our 3 grand boys, it was even more profound and sweet. Joseph was the “Granddaddy”, and I the “Grandpa”. I, or nobody can fill his shoes. He was placed hear on this Earth by our Heavenly Father, and now he is back home with Him. As family, we will miss Joseph greatly, but will carry on with the Lord’s help and the love he planted in our families. Linda and I were honored to know and love Joseph.
My sadness in the loss of my brother is lessened by the sure knowledge that Joseph and I shared an abiding belief and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Joseph gave his life for the cause of the Kingdom of God and the healing of God’s people. He fulfilled the law of Christ in his bearing the physical, emotional and spiritual burdens of so many that came to him for help. Words fail to adequately express the depth and true measure of this man. I knew him as my doctor, my counselor, my advocate, my confidante and my friend. He inspired me with his willingness to prepare, to seek deeper understandings and then to sacrifice himself in the service and teaching of others. His constant friendship with his brother in arms John Gardner brought even more joy to me because of the time I spent with them both. Dr Runyon was in every sense a hero and an angel among us. Joseph blessed us, taught us and uplifted us by his life well lived, showing always his boundless and constant love for Donna and his family. I feel assured that Joseph heard the words: Well done thou good and faithful servant and is savoring his rest in the Paradise of God.