John Robert Bob Runyon, 72, of Punta Gorda, Florida, died early Thursday morning, July 3, 2008 after a long illness at Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Punta Gorda.

Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Bob was a retired SMSGT in the United States Air Force. He served his country proudly for 22 and one half years. After retiring, he pursued an interest in and frequently visited the Indians from the Darien Province in Panama. He loved helping these people and considered this his favorite home. Bob earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska, and worked in various fields of law enforcement for several years before moving to Florida in 1992. He was a member of the VFW, American legion, and the Punta Gorda Lions Club.

Bob is survived by his loving family, wife Mary; five children, Mark Runyon of Englewood, FL, Robert Gudfinnsson of Iceland, Debbie Runyon of Janesville, Wisconsin, Veronica Runyon and Roberta Duck, both of Albuquerque, NM; three stepchildren, Thomas Dvorak of Leawood, KS, Anne Sewell of Lenexa, KS, and Sheila Ireland of Omaha, NE, and 15 grandchildren.