Willard “Bill” Runion of Hermiston died on Aug. 7, 2019 in Kennewick, Wash. at the age of 92.
He was born on July 11, 1927 in Fostoria, Ohio to Carl and Blanche Rothgeb Runion.
Bill was raised and attended school in Ohio before joining the United States Army and serving in the South Pacific during World War II, where he received the Purple Heart. After his honorable discharge in 1946 he lived in Olympia, Wash., where he married Yvonne Bosteder in 1959. They moved to Umatilla in 1974, and Bill worked in farming as an equipment operator until retiring.
He enjoyed traveling, and visiting with and helping others. He was a member of the American Legion Post #37 and was recognized in 2016 by the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association as the Oregon Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year.
He is survived by his son, Clyde Runion and wife Tonya, Pendleton; daughter, Valerie Hurford, Umatilla; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Destiny, Chelsea, Charline, Cody, KaSandra and Courtnie; and great grandchildren, Xavier and Isabella.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne Runion and his parents.
Services were held on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Bill with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
