Matthew Allen Runyan

Matthew Allen Runyan is a descendant of Ezekiel and Jane (McGuire) Gilbert through their daughter Margaret Gilbert and Ezra Cleveland. His grandmother Daisy Elieen Coffman Runyan is a granddaughter of Margaret and Ezra.

Matthew Allen Runyan, 20, Silver Lake, died Sat., May 17, 2008, in an automobile accident. He was born on April 22, 1988, in Topeka, the son of Susan M. (Blush) and Robert A. Runyan, Jr. Matt graduated from Silver Lake High School in 2006, and was attending Kansas State Univeristy majoring in athletic training. He was employed by Kansas State Univ. Housing & Dining Dept. as a grounds keeper. He had volunteered at St. Francis Hospital and was a member of National Athletic Trainers Assoc. and Northland Christian Church. Matt loved sports and although he was a K-State student he was an avid KU fan. He participated in basketball, cross country, and track during his high school years and currently holds the pole vault record at Silver Lake High School. Surviving are his parents: Susan M. and Robert A. Runyan, Jr. of the home; a sister: Autumn Marie Runyan of the home; and grandparents: Daisy E. and Robert A. Runyan, Sr. of Topeka, and June M. Blush of Silver Lake. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather: George H. Blush, Sr. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Wed., May 21, 2008, at Northland Christian Church. Burial in Silver Lake Cemetery. Matt will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Tues., at Northland Christian Church, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions to Northland Christian Church (to be designated for the Eagless Nest Childrens Home in Guatemala, Mexico); 3102 NW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66617.
Published in the Topeka Capital-Journal on 5/20/2008