Charles R. Runnells

Charles R. Runnells, 66, of Convoy, died at 3:35 a.m. Monday, January 3, 2011, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima after battling cancer for five months.

He was born November 19, 1944, in Bend, Ore., the son of the late Paul S. and Helen M. (Messick) Runnells. On November 23, 1999, he married Judith Albright Runnels, who survives in Convoy.

Other survivors include two children, Kimberly (Kevin) Procek of Lakeland, Fla., and Randy Michael Thurston of Gainesville, Fla.; two stepsons, Grant Albright and Ben (Erica) Albright, both of Angola, Ind.; two brothers, Jon (Jean) Runnells and Rick Runnells, both of Sharon, Wis.; a sister-in-law, Sharon Runnels of Sharon, Wis.; four grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren.

Two daughters, Missy and Dawn Marie Runnells; a brother, Dan Runnells; and two sisters, Viola and Charmaine, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at noon Thursday, January 6, at Gearhart, Mack & Jurczyk Funeral Home in Convoy, with the Rev. Neil Hammons officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery in Convoy, with graveside military rites performed by the combined honor units of American Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, both in Van Wert.

Calling hours are 10 a.m.-noon Thursday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: American Cancer Society.

Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.alspachgearhart.com.