Floyd “Dale” Runge was born to his mother, Tommie Ruth Runge, on November 26th, 1959 in Dallas, Texas. His early family includes half-brother Rickey, stepsisters Debbie & René, and stepbrother Mickey. As an infant, their family relocated to Rosepine, LA to be near his grandfather who was at the time stationed at Ft. Polk, LA.
Dale attended Rosepine Elementary where he met his future wife Karon Denise Brewer in the 5th grade. In 1977, while attending Rosepine High School, he became king of the track by becoming the fastest student in Louisiana, winning the State Championship for the 100-yard dash. He was the first student in Vernon Parish to ever hold this title.
On January 24th, 1980 he joined the U.S. Army and a few months later on May 10th, 1980, he married his school yard sweetheart Karon. Dale and Karon just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary together. In addition to the joy of their lifetime companionship, they became the proud parents of their children Misty, Floyd Jr., Calvin, and Sonny.
While in the Army, Dale served as a Field Artillery Systems Mechanic with a Recon Squad and a Howitzer Battery respectively. His commitment, spanning over 12 years, was divided between Active and National Guard service. Dale’s duty culminated with the combat deployment to Saudi Arabia & Iraq in support of Operations Desert Shield & Desert Storm in 1991. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars, Driver and Mechanic Badge and Expert Marksmanship Badge.
While serving in the National Guard, Dale pursued Industrial Construction education at Central Texas College. Dale was hired on with Brown & Root as a construction worker in 1991. Dale spent the remainder of his formidable years in the construction trade. Over the years he lived in several States while working projects in South Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Connecticut and finally here in Alabama, arriving in 2003.
Keeping the Lord close to his heart through his life he longed to strengthen his faith and theological understanding. Dale completed RCIA and was initiated into the Catholic faith in 2011 right here at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Shortly afterwards, he put faith into action and joined the Knights of Columbus Council 3989. He has served numerous charity fundraisers since and was elevated to a Fourth Degree Knight.
Due to the physical demands of military & construction careers, Dale suffered his first heart attack and had his first bypass surgery in 2001. Despite the last 2 decades of medical setbacks, Dale continued to always live life to the fullest.
Dale’s two greatest concerns over the last few months of his life were preparing his family for his passing and preparing his soul for eternal life. With faith-filled trust, Dale continued to receive communion as his body would allow and made a final confession to prepare his way into the next life.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Joseph Kuzhichalil officiating. A toast and social will follow afterwards (drinks only).
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