Dwayne Runyan

Dwayne Singleton Runyan of Billings, MT died in his home surrounded by his family on June 12, 2026.

Dwayne (95) was born on November 27, 1930, in Winifred, MT to Lafayette and Loma Runyan. His parents, homestead farmers, raised Dwayne and his two older sisters on the family ranch. He attended school in Winifred, filling his high school days with friends, school clubs, and sports. He particularly enjoyed basketball and still had his Winifred Red Raiders high school letter into his last years. Dwayne graduated from Winifred High School in 1948 before farming in the area for a few years.

He married his high school sweetheart, Joan (Simac) Runyan, in 1954 in Lewistown, MT. The couple moved to Spokane, WA where he graduated from barber school in 1956 and apprenticed at Murray and Wolfs Barbershop before earning his barber’s license. He and Joan moved to Glendive in 1958, where he worked as a barber and their son was born.

In 1959, he purchased the Park Barbershop in Livingston, MT; for the next 33 years, Dwayne was a part of Livingston’s business community. Over the next few years, the couple welcomed two daughters into their home. Dwayne enjoyed golfing at the Livingston Golf and Country Club; participated in several state bowling tournaments; and spent time hunting, fishing and camping. Ever the farmer, he and his wife grew a large garden each year, sharing the bounty with family, friends, and the community.

After retiring in 1992, Dwayne and Joan enjoyed traveling to California and Arizona in their RV during winters– golfing, site-seeing, and meeting new friends. They were married for 66 years until Joan’s passing in 2021. He found joy with wood working projects and spending time with his family, including four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Dwayne is survived by his son, Dan Runyan, daughters, Barb Metzger, Jan (Brad) Charleson, granddaughters, Michelle (Will) Blakeley, Susan (Erik) Wood, Lauren Charleson, Kelly Charleson, and great-grandchildren, Levi, Addison, and Natalie Jo.

Dwayne is preceded in death by his wife, Joan (Simac) Runyan, parents, Lafayette and Loma Runyan, sisters Lavon Udelhoven and Fern Erlandson, and son-in-law, Michael Metzger.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Dwayne will be held Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:00am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2055 Woody Drive, Billings, MT.

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