Jeffrey L. Runyan

The Honorable Jeffrey L. Runyan, age 70, of Newark, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Born June 6, 1954, in Ashtabula, Ohio, he was the son of the late William O. and Margaret E. (Bissell) Runyan. A dedicated scholar, Jeff graduated from Edgewood Senior High School in 1972 where he excelled in athletics, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. He earned multiple first team honors in basketball and baseball his junior and senior years. Jeff earned a B.S. in Journalism and History from Bowling Green State University. He later received his law degree from The Ohio State University College of Law and was admitted to practice in the State of Ohio and the Northern District Federal Courts.

Jeff devoted his professional life to the legal field. He began his career in general law practice with Lutz & Oxley Attorneys in Ashland County before establishing his own private practice. His commitment to justice led to his election as Judge of the Common Pleas Court, General Division. During his tenure, he established and managed a Civil Mediation Program and Domestic Relations Magistrate.

Deeply engaged in civic life, Jeff was a member of numerous organizations including the Ohio State and Ashland County Bar Associations, Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Ashland Noon Lions, Ashland County Law Library, Ashland Community Strategic Planning Committee, Ashland City Schools Levy Campaign (Chairman), Leadership Ashland, Ashland YMCA, and First Presbyterian Church in Ashland. He served on boards for the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, United Way of Ashland, Dale-Roy Adult Workshop, and others. He also contributed to youth development coaching youth baseball, basketball, and soccer for many years. Jeff was an avid sports fan, faithfully following his Ohio State Buckeyes, his Cleveland based professional teams, and professional golf and tennis. Jeff also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and taking long walks with Renee, his high school sweetheart.

Jeff is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Renee (Rebera) Runyan; daughter, Lesley (Matthew) Hess; son, Alex (Megan) Runyan; grandchildren Caleb Hess, Lily Hess, Benjamin Hess, and Charlotte Runyan; siblings, William (Mary) Runyan, Susan (John) Lundberg, and Alan (Kathy) Runyan; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Michael L. Runyan; and sister-in-law, Emily (Rebera) Harley.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-12 Noon on Saturday, May 3, at Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004. At Noon the family will share stories and memories that celebrate Jeff’s life and highlight the mark he left on the hearts of those around him.

Private inurnment will take place at Greenlawn Memory Gardens in North Kingsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley SE, Newark, OH 43055 or Breakthrough T1D (Juvenile Diabetes) at www.breakthrought1d.org.

McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral, Granville, is honored to care for Jeff and his family.