Donald L. "Runt" Dunham

BUFFALO, IL - The smooth musical stylings of Runt Dunham of Buffalo, Ill., were quieted on Tuesday. Donald L. "Runt" Dunham, 78, passed away at 1:19 a.m., Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, 2013, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Ill.

He was born March 1, 1935, in New Salem, Pike County, Ill., the son of George and Viola (McKinney) Dunham. He married Clara Faye Minix from Edinburg on June 19, 1977.

Runt is survived by his wife, Clara of 36 years; his daughter, Shauna (Bryant) Moore of Rochester; three sons: Andy (Lynsey) Dunham, Rodney Dunham and Rick Dunham, all of Springfield; two granddaughters, Chloee Dunham and Darby Dunham of Dawson; three sisters: Marcella Byerline of Mechanicsburg, Ill., Frances Georges of Quincy, Ill., and Avalee Ertl of Illiopolis, Ill; and one brother, Victor (Lucy) Dunham of Providence, R.I.

Runt is preceded in death by both parents, three brothers and three sisters.

As a longtime member of the Buffalo community, Runt worked as a plumber and in the HVAC industry including as the owner/operator of Rapid Runt's Repair Service before retiring in 1997. He graduated from Illiopolis High School in 1953.

Runt was a member of the Illinois Country Music Hall of Fame, a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #4361 and the leader of the band the Melody Tones. His love of music filled his life as well as his family's. He could often be seen with his son, Rick, "Elvis Himselvis", throughout the area. Runt also entertained at several Eagles-sponsored events with karaoke and donated his time and voice to numerous charitable organizations including Goodwill and the Salvation Army. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Buffalo, Ill.

Visitation: 4-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, at Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home in Mechanicsburg, Ill.

A short service will follow the visitation with Larry Hanson officiating.

Burial of the cremated remains will be at Mechanicsburg Cemetery, Mechanicsburg, Ill. on a date to be determined.