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Willie Henry Runnels
Sep 5, 1930 - Oct 3, 2018
Posted by Ann Weber

DAVIS FAMILY FUNERAL HOME
DEWEY, WASHINGTON CO, OK
(permission granted)

Willie Henry Runnels, 88, of Wann, died Wednesday in Tulsa.

Willie - or Henry as he was known - was born the son of Wade Hampton and Margaret (Vance) Runnels on September 5, 1930, in Mineral Springs, AR. Henry developed a strong work ethic from a young age, starting his first job driving a logging truck at the age of 11. At age 17 he joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Thinking his new career would take him around the world, he served as a paratrooper and in the infantry making just one short trip to Japan.

After his honorable discharge Henry ended up in Claremore as a taxi driver and by sweet chance he met and fell in love with a young lady who called for his service. Henry was united in marriage with Eileen Goodson in 1952 and they made their home in Tulsa where they raised four children. After 28 years of marriage Eileen passed away in 1980. Henry connected with longtime family friend Josephine “Jo” Garner and they started a relationship, marrying on March 25, 1981. Henry and Jo made their home in Bartlesville and Henry began building a log home in Wann, starting the work in 1982, and after he completed the project in 1998 they moved in. Henry was a machinist by trade but he dearly loved his last job and calling, driving the bus for the Washington County Adult Center in Dewey where he made many dear friends.

Henry dearly loved his children and grandchildren. In his younger years he was active in their many activities as a Boy Scout leader and coached the ball teams they played on. He made time to be a positive role model for his children and the many other children he led and coached over the years. Later in life he enjoyed traveling, day trips and just driving in the car. Henry was an active member of the First Baptist Church in South Coffeyville, KS, and participated in the many ministries of the church including his favorite Vacation Bible School. He will be dearly missed by his family, church family and friends.

Henry is survived by his loving wife Jo of the home; six children, Wade Daniel Runnels and Sharon of Kellyville, David Lee Runnels and Patty of Sand Springs, Carl Douglas Runnels, Jerry Lynn Goodson and Connie of Edmond, Sherre Lea Kuehn and Terry of Wann, and Terry Louis Goodson of Broken Arrow; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Norma Louise Sigler and sister Annie Lee Young.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Oct. 7, from 12-5 at the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey, OK.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 8, at the First Baptist Church of South Coffeyville, with Pastor Jonathan Filson officiating. Interment will follow in the Floral Haven Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com. 

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