Jack Everett Runner, 92, of Weatherford, Texas, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Hilltop Health and Rehab in Weatherford.
He was born on April 1, 1931, in Washington Township, Darke County, to the late Opha and Leonora (Stetson) Runner.
In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his children, Gregory Runner and Sharon Runner; his siblings, Jean (Bert) Ruby and Jim Edward (Alice) Runner; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Runner; and in-law, Stephen Shaw.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Janet (Shaw) Runner of Weatherford, Texas; his children, Michael Runner of Roseville, California, and Jeffery (Sally) Runner of Marble Hill, Georgia; his daughter-in-law, Renee Runner of Washington; his 14 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Janice Collier of Indiana and Julia (James) Howard of Kennesaw, Georgia; and his in-laws, Patricia Copeland of Middletown, Ohio, Diana Haney of Versailles, Ohio and Christine McNeal of Port Richey, Florida.
Jack graduated from Greenville High School in 1950 and then attended Ohio Northern University, where he earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. Later in life, he received his teaching credentials in California. Jack served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps, where he served during the Korean War. Jack worked in the aerospace industry. He worked for a Newark, Ohio, company called 2802 Initial Guidance and Repair Systems. He was trained in how to repair Minuteman missile guidance systems.
Later in Jack’s career, he began teaching and helped educate the next generations until 1995. Jack was a very faithful man and was a member of Pleasant Oak Baptist Church in Placerville, California. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and operating an orchard in California.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus. Burial will follow in Ansonia Cemetery, Ansonia, Ohio.
Guests may visit with Jack’s family on Thursday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hillsdale College, 33 E College St, Hillsdale, MI 49242, or Alzheimer’s Association, 6077 Far Hills Ave Suite 117, Dayton, OH 45459.
Online condolences may be shared with Jack’s family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.
