Michael “Byrd” Runyon, 71, of Springfield, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. He was born May 16, 1954, in Springfield, to Willard and Anna Frances Saner Runyon. He married Vicky Sue Griffitts and she survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Michael P. (Jami) Runyon of Springfield and Gregory W. (Amanda Dziszuk, fiancé) Runyon of Scottsdale, AZ; two grandchildren, Baylee and soon to be welcomed, Brooklyn; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Thomas W. Runyon.
He worked as a coal miner for thirty-four years at Turris Coal Mine in Elkhart.
Byrd was of the Catholic faith. He was a lifelong resident Riverton, IL and a graduate of Riverton High School. He was also a member of Riverton Athletic Club for more than fifty years, where he spent most Friday nights. He was active in his kid’s sports and was especially proud of his granddaughter, Baylee’s equestrian talent and accomplishments. One of his favorite and more recent pastimes was taking trips with his dear friends to the boat in St. Charles.
Visitation: 4 – 7 pm, Friday, January 9, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
Funeral Service: 10 am, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield, with Reverend Thaddeus Adukus officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Riverton Food Pantry at St. James Catholic Church.
Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com
©2025 All Content Obituary Systems
“Professional Responsibility” protects the daily obituary. LocalObituary.com and the Authorized Licensed Funeral Provider “Thank You for Helping.”
Notice
To the extent allowed under State law, the decedent’s name, image and likeness are protected under this State’s Right of Publicity laws and should not be reproduced, copied, distributed, republished, or otherwise displayed for commercial purposes unless specifically authorized.
© All Content Obituary SystemsTM, LLC