Earl Leroy Runnels, 89, Fleming, passed away Dec. 12, 2012, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at Calvary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Michael Young officiating. Interment will be at Brush Memorial Cemetery.

Earl was born Oct. 13, 1923, in Messex, to Guy A. and Merna I. (Gibson) Runnels. He attended schools in the area. He entered the U.S. Army during World War II, serving from 1943 until his discharge in 1946.

He was a heavy equipment operator for North Sterling Irrigation.

On July 23, 1961, Earl married Alta Pauline Bellis Koster in North Platte, Neb.

He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and Royal Neighbors. He enjoyed fishing and visiting family and friends.

Earl is survived by his brothers, Bernard Runnels and wife Jayne of Arizona, Jerry Lee Runnels of California; sisters, Doris Salter of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Sarah Schivelbein and husband Albert of Potter, Neb., Vivian Monheiser of Potter, Neb., and Betty Joan Kuehl and husband Gordon of Kingfisher, Okla.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles and Kenneth Runnels; sisters, Lois Corbin, infant sister, Deloris and Roberta Harris; and wife, Alta Pauline Runnels in July 2012.