Denzil Darren Runyon, 87, of the Normantown Community passed away on the eve of April 2, 2025, surrounded by family, in Minnie Hamilton Long Term Care Facility in Grantsville.
He was born on April 28, 1937, to the late Worthy Darren Runyon and Bertha Brady Runyon.
Denzil was preceded in death by his siblings: Maxine Kelly, Geraldine Nicholson, Pauline Carpenter, Bonnie Dotson, Darrell Runyon, Linda Cunningham, and infant Elizabeth Runyon. He is survived by his beloved sisters, Bernice Keesucker and Freda Swick, and several nieces and nephews.
On October 11, 1957, Denzil was joined in marriage with the love of his life, Wanda Lou Frashure Runyon. Together, they shared over 67 years of marriage, building a family filled with love and devotion. He is survived by his children: Connie Runyon, of Morgantown, WV; Kenneth Runyon and wife Barbara of Normantown, WV; Peggy Runyon, of Normantown, WV; Rose Runyon Knight, of Grantsville, WV; and Nancy Runyon Summers and husband Richard, of Glenville, WV.
Denzil was a proud grandfather to Tami Runyon and her husband Jordi Brown, of West Milford, WV; Ashley Runyon Motz and her husband George, of Coolville, Ohio; Graham Knight and wife Adrianna, of Grantsville, WV; and Hayley Summers, of Charleston, WV. He was blessed with two great-grandchildren: Kenna Brown, of West Milford, WV, and Hendrix Knight, of Grantsville, WV.
Denzil was a mechanic and heavy equipment mechanic by trade. However, he worked as a bricklayer and welder, helping to build the Glenville State University’s clock tower and dining hall. He drove school bus in the lower and middle run area of Gilmer County, he drove tractor-trailers loaded with pipe for what was 4D, served as a Glenville Police Officer, and as a security guard at Weston State Hospital.
Denzil loved the outdoors and loved to hunt deer and coon. He loved to play guitar and sing bluegrass music. He even wrote a book dedicated to coon hunting stories.
Denzil’s life was a testament to his faith, family, and community. His unwavering dedication to his loved ones and his steadfast belief in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, were evident to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family wishes to thank all the team members at Minnie Hamilton Health Care, especially the Acute Care and Long-Term Care members who adopted Denzil as their “Grandpa.” Special thanks go out to the hospice team, as well, for their care and guidance.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Denzil’s memory to either Glenville First Baptist Church, % Cancer Fund, 217 E. Main Street, Glenville, WV, or WV Caring, P.O. Box 760, Arthurdale, WV 26520 or 1-800-350-1161.
A funeral service will be held at Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Inc., 1440 Arnoldsburg Rd., Arnoldsburg, WV, 25234, on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Larry Fisher officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Collins Community Cemetery, Stumptown, WV. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
