Lowell D. RUNKLE

RUNKLE Lowell D. Lowell D. Runkle, 89, died in his sleep, due to natural causes, early in the morning of Wednesday, May 25, 2011. Lowell was born to Louise and Lowell Runkle Sr. in Toledo, Ohio, on January 21, 1922. He graduated from Libbey High School in 1940 and completed two years at The University of Toledo before joining the Navy during World War II. He was a "plank owner" on the USS Sierra, serving in the South Pacific. At the end of the war, Lowell returned to Toledo with his wife and high school sweetheart, Betty. At the time of his death they had been married for 67 years. Lowell retired in 1986 from his own business "The Runkle Company." He and Betty raised two sons, enjoying vacations camping and canoeing in the Superior Quectico among other interests. Both boys earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts and Lowell remained active in Boy Scouting for 60 years. He donated thousands of hours to the program, leadership training, and to the maintenance of both Camp Miakonda and Camp Pioneer. Among his accomplishments through The Boy Scouts, Lowell earned his Silver Beaver Award and Wood Badge. Additionally, he received the Henry L. Morse Community Service Award from United Way in 1991. The report stated, "Lowell constantly seeks new ways to bring the scout experience to a greater number of youth. He has worked with labor, business and the Lucas County Housing Authority to establish and sponsor scout troops in the inner city." Lowell was a WWII Navy veteran, member of the Barton Smith Masonic Lodge #613AM, and the American Legion. He was multi-talented and enjoyed time with his family, fishing, camping, working with wood, and feeding the finches. He is survived by his wife, Betty, who shares this favorite poem: The Promise Across the years I will walk with you in deep green forests on shores of sand: and when our time on earth is through in heaven, too... you will have my hand. Lowell is also survived by his sons, Jerry and Bob; daughter-in-law, Susie; grandchildren, Nathaniel and Mary; great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Gabriel; also nieces and nephews. A private graveside service is planned early in June. The family requests any acts of comfort be given to Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio.