Earl Eugene Runion went to be with Jesus on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 4:29 in the morning. He passed away in his home surrounded by his family at the age of 95.
Earl was born near Milford, Missouri on Thursday, December 11, 1924, to Luther and Lenora Runion. He spent most of his childhood in or around Lamar, MO. He spent his formidable years growing up during the Great Depression; this had a great impact on his view of hard work and the value of family. Around the age of 13, he nearly died from rabbit fever; were it not for God sparing his life. As a youth, Earl worked to provide for his widowed mother and family.
He was drafted into the Navy at the age of 18 during World War II. Most of his time served was on the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. After his honorable discharge at the end of WWII, Earl moved back to Lamar and worked with family at the local car dealership.
At the age of 25, he met Betty Jane Elrod, the love of his life. He had his sights set on Betty, and after 3 marriage proposals, she said yes. The couple married on Sunday, June 28, 1953, in Lamar, MO. Their honeymoon lasted 67 years. Earl and Betty welcomed their son Earl "Randy" Runion on Saturday, March 1, 1958. Four years later on Friday, January 26, 1962, their daughter Sandra Jane was born. In 1966, Earl and Betty packed up the family and moved to Bethany, OK. Earl worked various jobs throughout his life to provide, but his biggest hobby was always family.
Earl was faithful and tender to his sweetheart of 67 years and doted on her as well as their children and grandchildren. He coached little league, loved to play catch, always participated in Easter egg hunts, and loved to hide everyone's presents at Christmas. Anyone who knew Earl remembers his slightly mischievous and always charming smile. He loved to cook and used this gift to bless others with his homemade noodles, pies, and award-winning apple dumplings. Earl was always more comfortable serving others than being served. His family was blessed and honored to be able to serve him and so many of his greatest qualities have been passed on to future generations and will continue far beyond his life. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather. His family is celebrating his homecoming and look forward to seeing him again soon. He is greatly missed and loved.
Earl is survived by his wife Betty, of Oklahoma City, OK; their son, Randy and wife Sherrie of Springfield, MO, and their daughter, Sandra McLerran and husband Doug of Oklahoma City, OK. He also leaves behind all 6 of their grandchildren; Trent Runion of Olathe, KS., and Chad McLerran, Melissa McLerran, Jessica McLerran, Emily McLerran, and Abigail McLerran of Oklahoma City, OK. Additionally, he is survived by 5 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and all 6 siblings.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Yukon First Church of the Nazarene, 525 E. Main St., Yukon, OK. Chocolates may be sent immediately. Flowers may be sent at time of services. Memorial gifts can be made, in Earl's honor, to Yukon Nazarene Church.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Yukon Nazarene Church, Care Plus, Good Shepherd Hospice, his care team through the V.A., and the many friends and family who supported Earl and Betty throughout the last few difficult years of his life. Every prayer, kind word and deed, visit, and gift of food was greatly appreciated and meant so much. God truly used so many to show His tender love and compassion.
Earl was born near Milford, Missouri on Thursday, December 11, 1924, to Luther and Lenora Runion. He spent most of his childhood in or around Lamar, MO. He spent his formidable years growing up during the Great Depression; this had a great impact on his view of hard work and the value of family. Around the age of 13, he nearly died from rabbit fever; were it not for God sparing his life. As a youth, Earl worked to provide for his widowed mother and family.
He was drafted into the Navy at the age of 18 during World War II. Most of his time served was on the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. After his honorable discharge at the end of WWII, Earl moved back to Lamar and worked with family at the local car dealership.
At the age of 25, he met Betty Jane Elrod, the love of his life. He had his sights set on Betty, and after 3 marriage proposals, she said yes. The couple married on Sunday, June 28, 1953, in Lamar, MO. Their honeymoon lasted 67 years. Earl and Betty welcomed their son Earl "Randy" Runion on Saturday, March 1, 1958. Four years later on Friday, January 26, 1962, their daughter Sandra Jane was born. In 1966, Earl and Betty packed up the family and moved to Bethany, OK. Earl worked various jobs throughout his life to provide, but his biggest hobby was always family.
Earl was faithful and tender to his sweetheart of 67 years and doted on her as well as their children and grandchildren. He coached little league, loved to play catch, always participated in Easter egg hunts, and loved to hide everyone's presents at Christmas. Anyone who knew Earl remembers his slightly mischievous and always charming smile. He loved to cook and used this gift to bless others with his homemade noodles, pies, and award-winning apple dumplings. Earl was always more comfortable serving others than being served. His family was blessed and honored to be able to serve him and so many of his greatest qualities have been passed on to future generations and will continue far beyond his life. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather. His family is celebrating his homecoming and look forward to seeing him again soon. He is greatly missed and loved.
Earl is survived by his wife Betty, of Oklahoma City, OK; their son, Randy and wife Sherrie of Springfield, MO, and their daughter, Sandra McLerran and husband Doug of Oklahoma City, OK. He also leaves behind all 6 of their grandchildren; Trent Runion of Olathe, KS., and Chad McLerran, Melissa McLerran, Jessica McLerran, Emily McLerran, and Abigail McLerran of Oklahoma City, OK. Additionally, he is survived by 5 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and all 6 siblings.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Yukon First Church of the Nazarene, 525 E. Main St., Yukon, OK. Chocolates may be sent immediately. Flowers may be sent at time of services. Memorial gifts can be made, in Earl's honor, to Yukon Nazarene Church.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Yukon Nazarene Church, Care Plus, Good Shepherd Hospice, his care team through the V.A., and the many friends and family who supported Earl and Betty throughout the last few difficult years of his life. Every prayer, kind word and deed, visit, and gift of food was greatly appreciated and meant so much. God truly used so many to show His tender love and compassion.
Earl Eugene Runion went to be with Jesus on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 4:29 in the morning. He passed away in his home surrounded by his family at the age of 95.
Earl was born near Milford, Missouri on Thursday, December 11, 1924, to Luther and Lenora Runion. He spent most of his childhood in or around Lamar, MO. He spent his formidable years growing up during the Great Depression; this had a great impact on his view of hard work and the value of family. Around the age of 13, he nearly died from rabbit fever; were it not for God sparing his life. As a youth, Earl worked to provide for his widowed mother and family.
He was drafted into the Navy at the age of 18 during World War II. Most of his time served was on the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. After his honorable discharge at the end of WWII, Earl moved back to Lamar and worked with family at the local car dealership.
At the age of 25, he met Betty Jane Elrod, the love of his life. He had his sights set on Betty, and after 3 marriage proposals, she said yes. The couple married on Sunday, June 28, 1953, in Lamar, MO. Their honeymoon lasted 67 years. Earl and Betty welcomed their son Earl "Randy" Runion on Saturday, March 1, 1958. Four years later on Friday, January 26, 1962, their daughter Sandra Jane was born. In 1966, Earl and Betty packed up the family and moved to Bethany, OK. Earl worked various jobs throughout his life to provide, but his biggest hobby was always family.
Earl was faithful and tender to his sweetheart of 67 years and doted on her as well as their children and grandchildren. He coached little league, loved to play catch, always participated in Easter egg hunts, and loved to hide everyone's presents at Christmas. Anyone who knew Earl remembers his slightly mischievous and always charming smile. He loved to cook and used this gift to bless others with his homemade noodles, pies, and award-winning apple dumplings. Earl was always more comfortable serving others than being served. His family was blessed and honored to be able to serve him and so many of his greatest qualities have been passed on to future generations and will continue far beyond his life. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather. His family is celebrating his homecoming and look forward to seeing him again soon. He is greatly missed and loved.
Earl is survived by his wife Betty, of Oklahoma City, OK; their son, Randy and wife Sherrie of Springfield, MO, and their daughter, Sandra McLerran and husband Doug of Oklahoma City, OK. He also leaves behind all 6 of their grandchildren; Trent Runion of Olathe, KS., and Chad McLerran, Melissa McLerran, Jessica McLerran, Emily McLerran, and Abigail McLerran of Oklahoma City, OK. Additionally, he is survived by 5 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and all 6 siblings.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Yukon First Church of the Nazarene, 525 E. Main St., Yukon, OK. Chocolates may be sent immediately. Flowers may be sent at time of services. Memorial gifts can be made, in Earl's honor, to Yukon Nazarene Church.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Yukon Nazarene Church, Care Plus, Good Shepherd Hospice, his care team through the V.A., and the many friends and family who supported Earl and Betty throughout the last few difficult years of his life. Every prayer, kind word and deed, visit, and gift of food was greatly appreciated and meant so much. God truly used so many to show His tender love and compassion.
Earl was born near Milford, Missouri on Thursday, December 11, 1924, to Luther and Lenora Runion. He spent most of his childhood in or around Lamar, MO. He spent his formidable years growing up during the Great Depression; this had a great impact on his view of hard work and the value of family. Around the age of 13, he nearly died from rabbit fever; were it not for God sparing his life. As a youth, Earl worked to provide for his widowed mother and family.
He was drafted into the Navy at the age of 18 during World War II. Most of his time served was on the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. After his honorable discharge at the end of WWII, Earl moved back to Lamar and worked with family at the local car dealership.
At the age of 25, he met Betty Jane Elrod, the love of his life. He had his sights set on Betty, and after 3 marriage proposals, she said yes. The couple married on Sunday, June 28, 1953, in Lamar, MO. Their honeymoon lasted 67 years. Earl and Betty welcomed their son Earl "Randy" Runion on Saturday, March 1, 1958. Four years later on Friday, January 26, 1962, their daughter Sandra Jane was born. In 1966, Earl and Betty packed up the family and moved to Bethany, OK. Earl worked various jobs throughout his life to provide, but his biggest hobby was always family.
Earl was faithful and tender to his sweetheart of 67 years and doted on her as well as their children and grandchildren. He coached little league, loved to play catch, always participated in Easter egg hunts, and loved to hide everyone's presents at Christmas. Anyone who knew Earl remembers his slightly mischievous and always charming smile. He loved to cook and used this gift to bless others with his homemade noodles, pies, and award-winning apple dumplings. Earl was always more comfortable serving others than being served. His family was blessed and honored to be able to serve him and so many of his greatest qualities have been passed on to future generations and will continue far beyond his life. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather. His family is celebrating his homecoming and look forward to seeing him again soon. He is greatly missed and loved.
Earl is survived by his wife Betty, of Oklahoma City, OK; their son, Randy and wife Sherrie of Springfield, MO, and their daughter, Sandra McLerran and husband Doug of Oklahoma City, OK. He also leaves behind all 6 of their grandchildren; Trent Runion of Olathe, KS., and Chad McLerran, Melissa McLerran, Jessica McLerran, Emily McLerran, and Abigail McLerran of Oklahoma City, OK. Additionally, he is survived by 5 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and all 6 siblings.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Yukon First Church of the Nazarene, 525 E. Main St., Yukon, OK. Chocolates may be sent immediately. Flowers may be sent at time of services. Memorial gifts can be made, in Earl's honor, to Yukon Nazarene Church.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Yukon Nazarene Church, Care Plus, Good Shepherd Hospice, his care team through the V.A., and the many friends and family who supported Earl and Betty throughout the last few difficult years of his life. Every prayer, kind word and deed, visit, and gift of food was greatly appreciated and meant so much. God truly used so many to show His tender love and compassion.
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