Robert Russell Runnells

May 10, 1938 - November 18, 2021

WARSAW - Robert Russell Runnells went to be with his Savior on Nov. 18, at Grace Village Healthcare in Winona Lake. After more than a decade of battling four different types of cancer and numerous other health issues, his body was too weary to continue the fight, but his faith was strong and the promise of eternal life gave him hope and encouragement through the difficult times.

He was born on May 10, 1938 in Marshall County to Al and Bernice (Cooper) Runnells. Bob was a gifted athlete at Tippecanoe High School where he excelled at basketball, baseball, and track. This is also where he met Susan Jayne Downs of his 1956 graduating class. They were married on July 3, 1956 and he was blessed to have the love and devotion of Susan for over 65 years. She survives in Warsaw.

Bob loved God’s creation and enjoyed feeding wild turkeys, deer, and incredible swarms of hummingbirds. A log cabin situated near the banks of the Tippecanoe River on 55 acres was to be home for most of his adult life. This is where he passed on his love of nature to his children and grandchildren, through picking morel mushrooms and wild raspberries, hunting and fishing. Annual fishing trips to Minnesota and Wisconsin as a boy was a tradition he shared with his own children, creating lasting memories to cherish.

Bob had numerous occupations in his lifetime, but his final place of employment was the Health and Wellness center of Warsaw. He attended the Country Church in Bourbon, since 1975 where he developed many dear friendships and touched many lives.

Survivors include his spouse, Susan Downs Runnells of Warsaw, brother, Larrie Runnells of Rochester, daughter - Rhonda (Don) Fackler of Pass Christian, MS, son – Jed (Patsy) Runnells of Laporte, daughter, Bobbi (Everett) Nifong of Warsaw, and son, Wes (Julie) Runnells of Warsaw. He also adored numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Private family services will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd. 15, Warsaw, no public services will be held.

Preferred memorials may be given to the Country Church, 2601 9th Rd., Bourbon, Ind. 46504, Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, 1515 Provident Dr., Warsaw, Ind. 46580 or Lakeland Child Evangelism Ministries, 1430 S. 450E, Pierceton, Ind. 46562. To send condolences to the family of Bob Runnells, please visit www. cremationserviceskc.com