Charles Albert Runnels, Sr.

Charles Albert Runnels, Sr. was born on September 24, 1926 to the union of William A. and Cynthia J. Runnels. Both preceded him in death. tie was reared in a loving family of three sisters, Elizabeth and Dorothy who preceded him in death, and Rosemary Penn of San Diego, CA and six brothers, Miller, William and Ural L.c. who also preceded him in death, and Joseph Barbee of Cambridge, MD, James Barbee, Sr. of University City, MO, and Larry Robinson of St. Louis, MO. Charles was educated in Kirkwood and Webster Groves school districts. Although not known by many, Elder Runnels was fluent in French. Supt. Runnels was employed by St. Louis County tlospital for 40 years as a male practical nurse in the surgical department. tie retired in 1986. Charles was united in holy matrimony to his Precious, Priceless Lady Dorothy Blackburn for 63 years. Unto this union four children were born, CharlesEtta, Doris, Charlotte and Charlie Jr. tie was saved and filled with the precious gift of the tloly Ghost in 1952 under the leadership of Elder Leonard Scales at Douglas Memorial C.O.G.I.c. tie served faithfully at Douglas Memorial C.O.G.1.c. as a Deacon, and as the Sunday School Superintendent. In 1965, he was called to the ministry and licensed under Pastor Scales. In 1968, he was ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ. Elder Runnels was called to the pastorate at Robertsville Temple and Pacific Temple C.O.G.I.C. in 1972. tie pastored both churches until 1976. At which time, Elder Clarence Shepherd was appointed to Pacific Temple C.O.G.1.c. Elder Runnels continued to faithfully pastor Robertsville Temple for 31 years. During his tenure as Pastor, he was selected as Jurisdictional Pastor of the Year in 1988. tie retired in 2005 due to declining health; tlowever, he loved Robertsville Temple and each and every member. Elder Runnels was appointed District Superintendent of the then Northern District in 1986, the name was later changed to the W.E. Turner District. Supt. Runnels also served as Chairman of the Ordination Board from 1991 until 2004. As a faithful servant to God and a loving husband and father, Supt. Runnels leaves to cherish his memory: three daughters, CharlesEtta Lawson (Supt. Kenneth), Doris Runnel. both of St. Louis, MO and Charlotte Fisher of Baltimore, MD; and one son, Charles Runnels, Jr. of St. Louis, MO. Also left to cherish his memory are four grandchildren, Richard (Jeanine) of Atlanta, GA, Dawn, Shawn and Charles, III; and ten great-grandchildren, Stephan, Doris, Carissa, Madison, Shawn II, Adrienne, Aziah, McKenzie, Alyssa, and Kennedy; one sister, Rosemary Penn of San Diego, CA; three brothers, Joseph Barbee of Cambridge, MD, James Barbee, Sr. and Larry Robinson (Pam) of St. Louis, MO; two sisters-in-law, Flora Runnels of Chicago, IL and tloseanna Blackburn of St. Louis, MO and one specially close cousin, Lobelia Dixon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; including one special friend, Mr. Frank Seiferd. .