Delbert Lafayette Runyon, 96, of Zapata, Texas, formerly of Edwardsville, Illinois, died at his home on February 1, 2022. Delbert was born on February 13, 1925 in Big Springs, Texas, and grew up in Earth, Texas.

Del is survived by his wife Jean Erickson of Zapata, Texas; sons George Runyon, of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, Mike (Donna) Runyon, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, David (Connie) Runyon, of Edwardsville, Illinois and Dan Runyon, also of Edwardsville, Illinois; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Annie Runyon; daughter Patricia; brother Donald Runyon, and sister Anne Miranda; and his wife of 45 years, Elaine (Evans) Runyon.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II. He and wife Elaine made their home in Edwardsville, Illinois in 1954. They were members of the First Presbyterian church. He was a truck driver until the early 1960s. He later worked at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. After Elaine's death in 1999, Del moved to Zapata, Texas, where he met Jean Erickson. They married in 2011.

Del grew up in the "worst, hard times": in the heart of the Dust Bowl during the Depression. His stories of dust storms, cotton fields, and the migration of people moving west painted a vivid picture of America. His favorite pastime, which he was able to enjoy until his mid-90s, was golf. He played in many leagues, from Edwardsville Legion and at Oak Brook, to his adopted home course Los Ébanos in Zapata.

He was also an accomplished bow hunter. He was a photographer, taking pictures at countless weddings and events, and also working as a staff photographer at the Madison County Daily News newspaper. In his 80s, Del took up harmonica, satisfying his urge to play music. He performed weekly at his church and other occasions.

A funeral will be held on February 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Zapata. A private burial is planned at Quercus Grove Cemetery in Edwardsville, Illinois. A celebration of life will be held there at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for offerings and contributions to:

First Baptist Church of Zapata

1401 Glenn St.

Zapata, TX 78076

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Delbert's caregiver, Sara Alaniz, for her care and dedication.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.