Leroy August Runge

Leroy August Runge, age 83, of Goreville, Illinois, passed away at 9:19pm on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Leroy was born May 12, 1938 in La Clede Township, Illinois, a son of Edwin and Ella Lydia (Wollin) Runge. He married the love of his life, Mary Lee Sloan, in Altamont, Illinois, on August 25, 1957. She survives.

In the 1950's, Leroy worked as a milkman, delivering milk bottles to people's homes. He then became an over the road semi-truck driver and owner, hauling gas and freight, which he proudly did until he was 80 years old.

His hobbies included attending car shows with Mary Lee and showing off his 1937 antique Chevy, which he was quite proud of. He loved raising and riding horses, and watching thoroughbred racing and rodeos. But most of all, Leroy loved his family and cherished time spent with his precious grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Runge of Goreville, IL; four children, Karen Foster of Goreville, IL, David and Jane Runge of Goreville, IL, Donald and Pam Runge of Goreville, IL, and John and Brittany Runge of Goreville, IL; nine grandchildren, Travis Foster, James Runge, Garrett Runge, Dakota Runge, Sawyer Runge, Maverick Runge, Reese Runge, Julie Tripp, and Stacey Coonce; sister, Elaine Phillips of Effingham, IL, brother, Darrell and Phyllis Runge of Mason, IL, three sister-in-laws, Judy Pedigo, Linda McCoy, and Debra and Kevin Shirley; Eight Great Grandchildren, Seven Great Great Grandchildren, and Several Nieces and Nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leo and Eleanora Sloan, six brother-in-laws, Don Phillips, Lawrence, Loren, Leo and Rick Sloan, Tom Pedigo, and one sister-in-law, Lucille (Sloan) Wissink.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville with Rev. Kim Lee-Brown and Rev. Michael Hood officiating. Burial will follow at Cana Cemetery in Goreville. A time of visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville and one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Thursday.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cana Cemetery in Goreville or to the Blessings in a Backpack for Johnson County. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville or by mailing to Blue Funeral Home; 1704 N Court Street; Marion, IL 62959.