The Life of DONALD BURT RUNNING
Donald B. RunningDes MoinesJanuary 27, 1925 -September 7, 2013Donald Running was born January 27, 1925 in Des Moines, Iowa where he lived most of his life. He was the child of Burt and Leona Running. He had one brother, Richard Running, now deceased. Donald grew up in Snusville, a small Union Park neighborhood where he attended Wallace Elementary School, Amos Junior High School and East High School. Donald left high school in 1942 and joined the United States Navy. During World War II he was stationed in the South Pacific on the U.S.S. Piedmont, a destroyer tender. In Feburary, 1943 Donald married his high school sweetheart, Louise Mack while he was stationed in Norfork, Virginia before he shipped out. Don and Louise had a long and happy married of 69 years, ending only in the death of Louise in 2012.Donald worked for his father as a Master Plumber at Proctor and Running Plumbing Company in Des Moines, while attending Drake University Law School. He graduated in 1954 and became a senior partner in the law firm McMullen, Running, Gardner and Test.In 1969 Donald opened American Style Pizza in Stockholm Sweden. He toured Europe acquiring product for his company, The Paint Bucket, with stores located in Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas.Donald also worked with Sterling Bank in the Cayman Islands in off shore banking.Donald was a film producer in Hollywood where he producted two movies, Not My Daughter and The Low Price of Fame with major film stars.Donald and Louise were always together the last years of their life. They both enjoyed being with their children, Donna and Blake, and many activities in and around Des Moines. Donald was an intelligent, honest, kind man with a sense of humor. May he rest in peace.Donald is survived by his son, Blake Running of Helena, Montana. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise and their daughters, Donna and Peggy (who died in infancy).Services will be at 3:00 pm 9/12/2013 at Calvary Baptist Church, 895 S. 60th, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
