Obituary of Sidney Dale Runyan

On June 18, 1952 in Loup City, Nebraska, Sidney Dale Runyan was born to Dillard Calvin and Charlotte Orcelia (Davis) Runyan. 

He was raised on his family’s farm in Mason City, Nebraska, and Sid grew up learning how to work hard and live well.  He was brought up in the Methodist church and gave his life to Christ during Bible camp when he was a teenager.

Sid graduated in 1970 from Ansley High School and went to Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, Nebraska, earning an Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology.  Upon graduation he got married and then enlisted in the U.S. Army.  He was a Spec 4 and worked as a heavy equipment operator with the Army Corps of Engineers in Germany.   He spent time at Fort Carson, and after being honorably discharged from the army in 1973, he moved his family to live in Colorado Springs.  He worked as a mechanical engineer, metal fabricator and welder at several companies. He retired from Vertec Tool after 31 years of faithful service.

In the 1990’s Sid volunteered as the Colorado Springs Christian Schools Athletic Director for several years, overseeing the sports teams of all the Christian schools in town.  He coached, taught, and nurtured many kids from 8th grade through 12th grades.  Sid was the kind of man they could look up to with respect—and they still do.  He loved watching all his kids excel in sports.  

On July 4, 1997, Sid married Kay, and soon after that he became a member of First Baptist Church.  He was on the property team…and later became the Property Team Manager of the church, putting forth his experience, dedication, and hard work to do whatever needed to be done.  He was then elected as Moderator for a six-year term.  Sid was gifted with discernment and had the diplomacy to work well with people and help solve problems.  

As an avid sportsman, Sid loved to hunt big game, small game, fly fishing (all fishing), and he also enjoyed playing golf and softball and was a very talented player.  He went to the driving range as often as he could in any weather and played as often as possible.  He enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the Nebraska Huskers, and the Broncos, play football.  At golf tournaments, they would always want Sid to play on their team! The pool league from church often met in our basement regularly to play pool.   Sid often helped with the cooking at the church men’s breakfasts on Saturday mornings, would not miss the church men’s yearly fishing trips and sometimes take kids along to teach them how to fish and enjoy the outdoors.  He looked forward to elk hunting every year with his son and his hunting group that met for many years.  A little-known fact about Sid is that he was a bull rider in the rodeo as a young man.  He was brave!  There is so much more that Sid accomplished and enjoyed.  He enjoyed life!

Sid was a genius. He could fix anything!  He could make parts where there were no parts to make something work.  It must be said that above all, Sid had a servant’s heart and a leader’s heart.  He was kind and thoughtful of the needs of others and he helped wherever and whenever it was needed.  He would make the time. He is the best friend one could ever have.  More than one young man or lady can praise Dad, Papa Sid, Uncle Sid, or Taw Sid for the work he did on their car or fix a broken something or other, help them with math or play with them!  

Sid loved his family and prayed for each of his children by name every day, “wherever they are and whatever they are doing.” Sid was a man who lived his life as the Lord asked him to, and he obeyed John 15:12.  He loved “one another”.  He helped so many people and did so many good things that others may never know about, but God knows his kind, humble spirit.  

On the morning of September 22, 2023 at 7:40AM, Sid took his last labored breath on this earth from complications of a stroke that occurred August 26, 2023.  

Sid is preceded in death by his father and mother; his brother, Delson Clair Runyan; and his step-son, Bradley Wayne Hein.  

He is survived by his wife, Glynn Kay (Chambon-Hein) Runyan; his son, Chad Michael Runyan (Ashleigh); his daughters, Lisa Marie Runyan Lewis (John), Carrie Lynn Runyan Givens (Chris); step-daughter, Jennica Hein Jenkins (Russell); grandchildren, Fionna Lorelei Hein and Oksana Tabitha Hein, whom he raised, Jackson, Dominic, Isaac, Jonah, and Kathryn Lewis, Zoey and Logan Givens, Teyla Jenkins; and great-grandson, Von Jerrett Hein. He is also survived by his brother, Lyle Dewayne Runyan (Emma Jean); his sister, Edith Kay Deuel; his brother-in-law, Dennis Chambon (Karen), sister-in-law, Nancy Chambon Moulton (Dave); many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Sidney Dale Runyan is now at peace with his Lord. 

Funeral Service, 11:00AM, Wednesday, October 4, 2023, First Baptist Church, 317 E Kiowa St, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. 

Graveside, 1:00PM, Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Fairview Cemetery, 1000 South 26th Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904