Rev. Charles (Chuck) Eugene Runyon, Sr, age 85, was promoted to glory on March 21, 2017 at his home in Redding, California with his family by his side.

Chuck was born on September 26, 1931 in Olney, Illinois to Oscar and Alice Runyon. Charles is survived by Thelma, his wife of 56 years, daughters Cindy Pauley (Mark) of Redding, CA, and Ruth Headland (Steve) of Alvarado, TX, son Charles Runyon Jr. (Angela) of Lake Charles, LA. Charles is survived by grandchildren, Alyssa, Chris, Cassie, Julianne, Kiana, Kael, Ian, Luke and Hope and great grandson, Henry. Charles is also survived by his brother Don Runyon of Olney, Illinois.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Alice Runyon, brothers, Leo and Richard, and sisters, Evelyn and Rosalie.

After graduation from high school in Olney, Charles joined the Air Force in 1951 and was transferred to Clark AFB in the Philippines in 1953. After taking a flight that developed engine trouble causing a fire, Charles realized that spiritually he was not ready to die. Shortly after arriving on land, he sought out a fellow serviceman who had shared the gospel with him, and in the barracks in 1954, Charles came to know the Lord. After his discharge from the Air Force, he attended Tennessee Temple University and then was ordained as a minister and accepted into ABWE mission in 1958. Charles was appointed to the Philippines where he met and married Thelma. Charles and Thelma served as missionaries in the Philippines for 35 years and retired in 1994 to Redding, CA. Charles loved the Lord, his family, and telling others about Christ.

A celebration of life service will be held at First Baptist Church of Redding, CA on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 2:00 pm. A burial service will be held at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.

Published in Redding Record Searchlight on Mar. 24, 2017