Russell F. Runion

Russell Runion, 80 of Melrose, NM died Thursday, December 23, 2010 at his home. He was born April 28, 1930 in Quicksburg, VA to the home of William and Effie Runion. Russell served in the U.S. Air Force until his retirement in 1965. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. His decorations and citations include the Korean Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal of Bureau of Naval Personnel Europe, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Following his military career, Russell operated a lawnmower repair shop in Melrose. Russell married Felisa Sena on November 16, 1996 in Melrose. He was a member of the American Legion, Retired Enlisted Association along with other veteran organizations. He also enjoyed the time he spent restoring his 1913 Model T Roadster. Russell is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers Jim, Melvin, Leon and Herman Runion. Survivors include his wife Felisa Runion of Melrose; a son Wayne Runion of Talapusa, Georgia; a daughter Dina Johnson of Clovis, NM; four sisters Helen Michael of Verona, VA; Louise Nickols of Bridgeport, VA; Gladys Bell of Staunton, VA and Ruth Buzzard of Virginia; step children Larry Sena of Clovis; Richard Sena of Melrose; Robert Sena of Melrose; Theresa Carnahan of Abilene, TX; Gloria Sena of Utah; Alfred Sena of Placitas, NM; Andy Sena of Melrose, NM; Carmen Todd of La Mesa, NM; Anthony Sena of Melrose; Dolores Hernandez of Abilene, TX; Donny Sena of Mount Pleasant, TX and Martha Gallup of Grants Pass, OR. He was also blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held Monday from 1pm until 6pm at the funeral home. A rosary service will be held at 9:30 AM Tuesday, December 28, 2010 from Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Clovis followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial with military honors will follow the Mass at Melrose Cemetery, Melrose, New Mexico. Pallbearers will be Victor Hernandez, Anthony James Sena, Jeff Sena, Michael Sena, Phillip Sena and Joshua Sena. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guestbook please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com