(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)Jerry Lee Runnels, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Liberal, Missouri, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, after months of failing health.
Born on May 8, 1937, in the rural community of Runnelsville in Barton County, Missouri, Jerry's life was a testament to the values of hard work, family, and faith.
Jerry grew up on the family farm and graduated from Jasper High School in 1955. He was an accomplished athlete at Jasper High School. He excelled at basketball and played for the Runnelsville Baseball Team.
Jerry grew up on the family farm and graduated from Jasper High School in 1955. He was an accomplished athlete at Jasper High School. He excelled at basketball and played for the Runnelsville Baseball Team.
His early career saw him working as a bank teller, but he soon returned to his roots, dedicating his life to farming and ranching. He also contributed to the community by helping install waterlines for Barton County Rural Water.
In his personal life, Jerry was known for his kind heart and love for the outdoors. A lifelong member of the Nashville Christian Church, he found strength and solace in his faith. Jerry's passion for farming was only matched by his love for hunting, fishing, horses and cattle.
He was an avid professional sports fan, but his most beloved teams were the ones for which his three grandchildren, Lindsay, Erin, and Clay, played. He never missed one of their many games. These interests brought him great joy and provided countless memories with family and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Alene Bernice (James) Runnels; his first wife, Jo Anne (Gresham) Runnels; his children, Carol Lee Runnels and Bret J. Runnels; his stepdaughter, Michelle Keener; a sister, Jo Kirby; two nephews, Tim Kirby and Colby Gregory; and two brother-in-laws, JD Kirby and Doug Gregory.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Runnels whom he married on September 9, 2009; a son, Kirk Runnels and wife, Sandy, of Jasper, Missouri; a stepson, Micheal Back and wife, Alaxa, of Rose, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Lindsay Runnels Rizzo and husband, John, Erin Thompson and Clay Runnels and wife, Allie; five step-grandchildren, Ryan Keener and wife, Reagan, Chelsie Dollarhide and husband, Caleb, Kylie Keener and fiancé, Ben Reist, Jami Job and husband, Bryan and Kyle Teague and wife, Shandi, several great grandchildren; a sister, Pam Gregory of Liberal, Missouri; a stepson-in-law, Rodney Keener of Salina, Oklahoma; as well as a host of other family and friends.
Jerry's life was a journey marked by perseverance, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family. He cultivated not only the land but also the hearts of those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on through the lives he touched. Rest in peace, Jerry, until we meet again.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Alene Bernice (James) Runnels; his first wife, Jo Anne (Gresham) Runnels; his children, Carol Lee Runnels and Bret J. Runnels; his stepdaughter, Michelle Keener; a sister, Jo Kirby; two nephews, Tim Kirby and Colby Gregory; and two brother-in-laws, JD Kirby and Doug Gregory.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Runnels whom he married on September 9, 2009; a son, Kirk Runnels and wife, Sandy, of Jasper, Missouri; a stepson, Micheal Back and wife, Alaxa, of Rose, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Lindsay Runnels Rizzo and husband, John, Erin Thompson and Clay Runnels and wife, Allie; five step-grandchildren, Ryan Keener and wife, Reagan, Chelsie Dollarhide and husband, Caleb, Kylie Keener and fiancé, Ben Reist, Jami Job and husband, Bryan and Kyle Teague and wife, Shandi, several great grandchildren; a sister, Pam Gregory of Liberal, Missouri; a stepson-in-law, Rodney Keener of Salina, Oklahoma; as well as a host of other family and friends.
Jerry's life was a journey marked by perseverance, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family. He cultivated not only the land but also the hearts of those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on through the lives he touched. Rest in peace, Jerry, until we meet again.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2024 at Nashville Christian Church with Pastor Don Smith officiating and Pam Gregory offering the scripture reading. Burial will follow at Nashville Cemetery with Scott Kirby, Randy Brunk, Kyle Kirby, Clay Runnels, John Rizzo and Dan Cardwell serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Micheal Back, Rodney Keener, Jon Michael Barley, John Barley, Braiden Barley and Brant Barley. The family will receive friends on Friday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are being directed to the Nashville Cemetery Care Fund c/o the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrust to the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.
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