Charles Runnells

LIMA - Charles R. Runnells, 66, of Convoy, Ohio, passed away at 3:35 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2011 at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, Ohio after bravely battling cancer for five months.

He was born November 19, 1944 in Bend, Oregon to Paul S. and Helen M. (Messick) Runnells, both of whom are deceased. He married Judith Albright Runnells on November 23, 1999. She survives on Convoy.

Runnells was preceded in death by two daughters, Missy and Dawn Marie Runnells; a brother, Dan Runnells; and two sisters, Viola and Charmaine.

He is survived by his children, Kimberly (Kevin) Procek- Lakeland, Florida, Randy Michael Thurston- Gainesville, Florida; step-children, Grant Albright- Angola, Indiana, Ben (Erica) Albright- Angola, Indiana; two brothers, Jon (Jean) Runnells - Sharon, Wisconsin, Rick Runnells - Sharon, Wisconsin; a sister-in-law, Sharon Runnells - Sharon, Wisconsin; four grandchildren and two step-granchildren.

Runnells had attended Trinity Friends Church, Van Wert, Ohio. He was retired from the General Motors Truck and Bus Plant in Ft. Wayne, Indiana after working 29 combined years at GM plants in Janesville, Wisconsin and Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

He served in United States Army during Vietnam Era.

A service will be held at 12 p.m., Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Gearhart, Mack & Jurczyk Funeral Home, Convoy, Ohio with Rev. Neil Hammons officiating. A burial will follow at Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Military graveside services will be performed by combined units of the Van Wert American Legion and VFW Posts.

Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Gearhart, Mack & Jurczyk Funeral Home in Convoy, Ohio.

Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.