Philip "Phil" Runels

Phil was one of four children born to Frank Runnels and Maggie Spears. In 1952 he married Juanita Campbell and they were blessed with four daughters. In 1958, he met the love of his life, Beverly “Joan” Townsend. They were married on May 23, 1959 and were blessed with a daughter and three sons. In 1952, Phil joined the United States Air Force and rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, and he received the following honors: Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Special Operations Group commendation. He served honorably in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His military career took him all over the world before retiring in 1978 and settling in Oklahoma City. Upon his military retirement, Phil worked at General Motors for 15 years and also sold insurance and real estate.

Phil enjoyed many different hobbies, including golf, genealogy research, ham radio, bowling, computers, BBQs in the backyard, and most of all spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a member of the “Globe Travelers Club” which planned community services activities and travel for club members. He also donated his time assisting others with their taxes for many years. Phil was also an avid student his entire life. He always wanted to learn more about whatever his family was involved in. During COVID, Phil decided to start reteaching himself Calculus at the age of 88. He also took a number of courses surrounding new technologies so that he could text and communicate with all his family across the United States. He loved the daily crossword which was always done in pen. Phil was an active member of the Tinker Air Force Base Chapel as well as Bethlehem Star Baptist Church. He was a man of strong faith and read his bible daily and attended services either in person or online. Phil’s work ethic, kindness and generosity was inspiring to all that knew him.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents (Frank and Maggie), brothers and sisters (Frank, Jeff, Clara Mae), wife (Beverly Joan), and daughter (Cynthia Lynn). Those left to cherish Phil’s memories are his sons Jeffrey Lamar (Patricia) of Union City, CA; Philip Andre of Edmond, OK; Brian Anthony (Katherine) of Cedar Rapids, IA; and his daughters Marie Beloney of Bentonville, AK; Stacey Runnels of Houston, TX; Dodi Bruno of Lake Charles, LA and Anita Simpson of Denver, CO. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 26 at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, 8805 NE 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73141. A celebration of life will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27 at Highland Park Baptist Church, 400 N. Blackwelder Avenue, Edmond, OK 73034.