Kenneth I. Runkle

Kenneth I. Runkle August 18, 1923 April 25, 2018 Kenneth I. Runkle, 94, returned to his heavenly home on April 25, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 18, 1923, in Centre Hall, to Anna Mary and Elmer Runkle. Ken graduated from Centre Hall-Potter High School in 1941. In 1942, Ken volunteered to serve in the United State Army Air Corps, during World War II. He served as a Technical Sargeant flying in 8th bomb group in the 447th squadron. Ken flew in 18 missions in the European Theater as a flight engineer and waist gunner. His B-17 was shot down twice during the war. The first occasion, his crew was able to abandon the aircraft and land in England. The second occasion he was captured. Ken was a POW and was held in Stalag 17B, near Krems, Austria from April 8, 1944 to April 7, 1945. After the war ended Ken became a cable splicer for Bell Telephone. He married, the love of his life, Mary Frances May on June 9, 1947, in Pleasant Gap. Ken was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Pleasant Gap. He enjoyed watching baseball, spending time with family and gardening. He was also a member of Logan Grange #109 in Pleasant Gap, Old Fort Masonic Lodge #537, Pleasant Gap Fire Company and the Williamsport Consistory. Ken is proceeded in death by his wife of 54 years; his brothers, Dean, Jay and Elwood; sister, Sara; daughter-in-law, Robin Runkle; and great granddaughter, Emerson Runkle. He is survived by his son, Edgar Runkle, of Bellefonte; his grandson Jonathan (Erikka) Runkle, of Lemont; granddaughter Elizabeth (Katherine) Runkle, of Pleasant Gap; great grandchildren Gabriel, Leighton, Jackson, Penelope and Liam Runkle; and sister Janet Pecht, all of Centre Hall. The family welcomes friends and family to celebrate Ken's life from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, 11:00 a.m., on April 30, 2018, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Pleasant Gap, with Pastor Kevin Shock presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Ken Runkle to the St. Mark Lutheran Church, 160 North Main Street, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823. Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc., 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com