Garrold Orville (Gary) Runkle, born Oct. 19, 1941, in Pittsburg, Kansas, died on Oct. 1, 2022, at his home in Littleton, Colorado. He spent his early years with his family in West Mineral, Kansas, before moving to Pittsburg in 1950. He graduated from Pittsburg High School and the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in business.
He served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He had a long career with Chevron Texaco before retiring to Frisco, Colorado, where he served on the City Council, took prizes in the Kansas City-sanctioned barbeque contest, and met many new friends.
He enjoyed part-time winter work in retirement as a skiing ambassador for Copper Mountain Ski Resort. He was particularly gifted with woodworking skills, and many friends' homes are graced with his thoughtful creations.
He was preceded in death by his parents Orville and Maudie (Swenson) Runkle, his sister Barbara (Runkle) and her husband, James Foresman, and his nephew Robert Foresman.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary (Dodds) Runkle, daughters Dr. Erica Runkle and Alissa (Levi) Miller, grandsons Maximus and Ender Miller, all from the Denver area; sister Beverly (William E.) Benso of Lawrence, Kansas; sister-in-law Donna Haas of Lenexa, Kansas; and nephew James (Nicole) Foresman of Pittsburg.
He will be greatly missed by his extended family and friends.
