Wm. A. Runnels Dies At Age 83; Rites Tomorrow

William Asbury Runnels, of 1310 Westcott street; died at 4:30 p. m. yesterday at the Book Nursing Home in Benton. He was 83 years and ten months of age.

Mr. Runnels, a retired car shop employee, was a lifetime resident of Mt. Vernon. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:30 p. m. at the Second Baptist church. The Rev. Steve Shehorn and the Rev. Carl Whittington will officiate and burial will be in Kirk cemetery. The body will remain at Myers Chapel, where friends may call. At noon Thursday, the body will be removed to the church, to lie in state until the funeral hour.

Mr. Runnels was born May 22, 1870 in Jefferson county, the son of James H. and Emilie (Page) Runnels.

He was married to Margaret Ellen Cox, who survives.

He was a member of the Second Baptist church.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Sarah E. Powell of San Francisco, Calif.; two sons, William F. of San Diego and C. H. of Nashville, Tenn.; a step-son, Earl Cox of Broughton, Ill.; 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, the Rev. J. A. Runnels.

*NOTES*

William Asbury Runnels married first Marie E. Bailey.

Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:

Married second Margaret Ellen Gwaltney.

Although it appears that William Asbury Runnels divorced and married others, Marie was buried next to William and share the same stone at Kirk Cemetery.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register-News
Date: Wednesday, March 24, 1954
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman