Willard Runnells 1948~2007

RUNNELS, BONGERS, HERBER, BERG, MCCASLIN

Posted By: Mary (email)
Date: 6/27/2007 at 09:01:46

Willard Runnells, 82, Ottumwa
Ottumwa Coirier

OTTUMWA — Willard Leo Runnells “Leo” was born on Sept. 5, 1924 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Willard Lee Runnells and Anna E. Bongers.

Leo passed away June 21, 2007, in Lancaster, Calif. He married Frances M. Herber on Oct. 30, 1948 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Leo is survived by his wife, Frances; daughter, Mariann (Randy) Berg of Cedar Falls, Iowa; grandchildren, Patrick Runnells and Stacy (James) McCaslin; great-grandchildren, Luc and Jayce McCaslin all Lancaster, Calif.; and daughter-in-law, Carla Runnells of Rosamond, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael J. Runnells; his parents; a brother, Robert; and a sister in infancy.

Leo was a Sergeant in W.W. II serving in the 5th bomber Squadron, Bomber Barons Bombardment Group in the South Pacific. When he and his brother Bob returned to Ottumwa after the war, they started The Camera Shop. Leo later bought out his brother’s interest and owned and operated The Card and Camera Shop, The Camera Shop and Shaw Photo Finishing. He was active in the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club and was a cantor, lector and communion distributor at St. Mary’s. Leo and Frances retired in 1983 to Los Angeles, Calif. and later settled in Lancaster, Calif. where their son and his family lived.

A memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Lancaster at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 28, 2007.

The graveside service will be held in Calvary Cemetery, Ottumwa, Iowa at a later time.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ottumwa, Iowa or to the charity of your choice. Services by Halley-Olsen-Murphy Memorial Chapel, 44802 N. Date Ave., Lancaster, Calif. 93534.