Dwane Runyan

Dwane “Chief” Ivan Runyan, 88, passed away Monday morning, November 20, 2023. He was born September 19, 1935, in Ney, Ohio to the late Audus and Viola Runyan. Dwane was raised on the farm in northwestern Ohio. When it came time to attend college, he hitch-hiked from the farm to The Ohio State University each week to earn his bachelor's degree in Agriculture Education. He began teaching at Covington High School in 1957, married Rose Ann (Miller) Runyan in 1958, and taught Vocational Agriculture and Industrial Arts there for 25 years. They lived and raised their family among cherished friends in Covington. 

“Chief” served as Newberry Township Trustee for 28 years, having been elected for seven consecutive terms. In addition to teaching, Dwane had his own family farm, drove a school bus, and knew almost everyone in Newberry Township and the surrounding area by name. He was devoted to his family and his community and modeled hard work, integrity, and humility, traits he taught to his students and family. Dwane lived the Christian faith, growing up playing hymns on the violin with his family on the radio, and continuing in service to his Lord and the local church his entire life.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rose Ann (Miller), a sister, Elaine Boland, and his sons, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Audus Jr. 

Dwane was cherished father and mentor to his sons, Chris (Noreen) and Andy (Patty), and daughter, Dinean (Darryl Thelen). He was also an active, loving grandfather to nine grandsons, Ben, Eric, Craig, Tyler, and Alex Runyan, Thomas, Kurtis, Marcus, and Isaac Thelen, and one special granddaughter, Oakley Thelen. To this point, he was blessed with great-grandchildren Ivan, Eli, Carson, Levi, Quinn, Leah, and Everest Runyan.

Friends may visit from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, November 24 at the Covington Church of the Brethren, 101 N. Wall St., Covington. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 25, also at the Church of the Brethren. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Covington-Newberry Historical Society (P.O. Box 164, Covington, OH 45318), where his remaining school paddle hangs in residence. Arrangements are in care of Moore Funeral Home, and online condolences may be left for the Runyan family at moorefh.com.