Rev. James Lester Runyan
Bethalto | Save
Rev. James Lester Runyan, 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 5:06 am on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Alton Rehab and Nursing.
He was born on August 28, 1931 in Gravette, AR, the son of Keith and Susie (Parmley) Runyan.
He married Louise Sires on July 31, 1953 in Bethany, OK. She survives.
James graduated in 1968 from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. He was an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene from 1968 until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of the Lions Club. He was a people person and never met a stranger. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, building things and most of all playing with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, James Lee and Sandi Runyan of Harlingen, TX, Michael Runyan of Bethalto and David and Amy Runyan of Bunker Hill; ten grandchildren; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Patricia Conrad of Glenwood, IA and Beatrice and Mick Ross of Oak Grove, MO; a brother-in-law, Dale Fesenmeyer; a sister-in-law, Wilma Grant and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Harold Runyan and a sister, Etta Fesenmeyer.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011 at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.
Funeral services will be at 10 am on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the Roxana Nazarene Church with Dr. Larry Lacher and Rev. Dan League.
Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials may be made to CEIFA Event Ministry International (Nepal Children’s Home) or Alton Rehab and Nursing Center.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
