Rev. John L. Runyon, age 71, of Robin Lane, Mount Sterling, a minister for more than 40 years, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at the St. Joseph Hospice Care Center in Lexington. He was born February 16, 1945, in Smackover, Arkansas, and was the son of the late Roy C. Runyon and Dorothy Germany Runyon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Rebecca Jane Runyon Freeman, who passed away August 27, 2012. Brother John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Phyllis Castle Runyon, whom he married September 17, 1964; one daughter, Lynda Jean (Gary R.) Long of Sharpsburg; three grandchildren, Brittney (Daniel) Gillum, Caden Freeman, Gary Jacob Long; and two great grandchildren, Kennedy Danielle Gillum and Bristol Jean Gillum. Other survivors include one brother, Charles (Ruth) Runyon of Hornbeck, Louisiana: three sisters, Audrey Arvin of Millington, Tennessee, Vicki (Darrell) Calhoun of Mt. Sterling, and Nina (Mike) Napper of Apopka, Florida; several nieces and nephews; his church family; and many friends. Brother John grew up in Paintsville and worked in eastern Kentucky as a heavy equipment operator in the coal mines and a truck driver for Big Sandy Furniture. At the same time, he also pastored churches in Martin and Lawrence counties. Brother John and Phyllis moved to Morehead with their family where he was the Freewill Baptist Church pastor and later moved to Mt. Sterling, where he and Phyllis managed Furniture World. Brother John also served as pastor at Spring Street Baptist Church for the past 28 years. A diligent student of the Bible, his passion was teaching God's Word. Known as a good preacher and teacher, his sermons and lessons were delivered in a manner to help everyone understand the Word of God. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at the Spring Street Baptist Church with the Rev. John Ryder and Rev. Marion Brewer officiating. Burial will follow in the Miller Cemetery in Jeffersonville. Pallbearers will be the Deacons and Board of Directors of Spring Street Baptist Church: Vernon L. Gibbs, Charles Workman, Larry May, Barry Becraft, George Harris, James McCarty, Bill Johnson, Forest Hall, Bruce Young, Jamie Workman, James Ring and Jeff McGuire. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary R. Long and Daniel Gillum. Visitation is after 5 p.m. Monday, October 31, 2016, at the Spring Street Baptist Church, 442 Spring Street, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Spring Street Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, Morehead, Kentucky. Visitation: Monday, October 31, 2016, 5 p.m., Spring Street Baptist Church, 442 Spring Street, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353 Funeral: Tuesday, November 1, 2016, 11 a.m., Spring Street Baptist Church, 442 Spring Street, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353 Interment: Miller Cemetery, Jeffersonville, KY