Jerry Lee Runnels, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Liberal on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, after months of failing health. He was born on May 8, 1937, in the rural community of Runnelsville in Barton County, Mo.

Jerry grew up on the family farm and graduated from Jasper High School in 1955. He was an accomplished athlete at Jasper High School. He excelled at basketball and played for the Runnelsville baseball team. His early career saw him working as a bank teller, but he soon returned to his roots, dedicating his life to farming and ranching. He also contributed to the community by helping install waterlines for Barton County Rural Water.

He was a lifelong member of the Nashville Christian Church. Jerry’s passion for farming was only matched by his love for hunting, fishing, and horses. He was an avid sports fan, but his most beloved teams were the ones featuring his three grandchildren, Lindsay, Erin, and Clay.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Alene Bernice (James) Runnels; his first wife, Jo Anne (Gresham) Runnels; his children, Carol Lee Runnels and Bret J. Runnels; his stepdaughter, Michelle Keener; a sister, Jo Kirby; two nephews, Tim Kirby and Colby Gregory; and two brother-in-laws, JD Kirby and Doug Gregory.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Runnels, whom he married on Sept. 9, 2009; a son, Kirk Runnels and wife Sandy, Jasper; a stepson, Micheal Back and wife Alaxa, Rose, Okla.; three grandchildren, Lindsay Runnels Rizzo and husband John, Erin Thompson, and Clay Runnels and wife Allie; five stepgrandchildren, Ryan Keener and wife Reagan, Chelsie Dollarhide and husband Caleb, Kylie Keener and fiancé Ben Reist, Jami Job and husband Bryan and Kyle Teague and wife Shandi; several great-grandchildren; a sister, Pam Gregory, Liberal, ; a stepson-in-law, Rodney Keener, Salina, Okla.; as and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at Nashville Christian Church, with Pastor Don Smith officiating and Pam Gregory offering the scripture reading. Burial will follow at Nashville Cemetery, with Scott Kirby, Randy Brunk, Kyle Kirby, Clay Runnels, John Rizzo and Dan Cardwell serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Micheal Back, Rodney Keener, Jon Michael Barley, John Barley, Braiden Barley and Brant Barley. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.