Randy S. Runkle, 66, of Bluffton, passed away at his residence Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, surrounded by his family.
He was born Dec. 15, 1955, in Bluffton, to Kenneth and Imogene Weaver Runkle. A 1974 graduate of Southern Wells High School, Randy worked at Majestic/CFM in Huntington for 33 years and retired in 2008.
Randy was a self-taught backyard mechanic and all-round handyman with an elite small circle of incredible friends! He could work on anything with a motor and wheels. He loved drag racing, the IndyCar racing series, and always looked forward to Carburetion Day with his son, Tanner, every May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He loved spending time outdoors camping, hunting and target shooting. He enjoyed family vacations, riding motorcycles and listening to his rock ‘n’ roll music.
Randy married his high school sweetheart, Yvette K. Gentis, Oct. 3, 1976, at the Petroleum United Methodist Church. They recently celebrated 46 years of marriage together.
Survivors include his wife, Yvette, of Bluffton, and four children, Tanner Runkle, Brandy Runkle-Boxell, and Cheyenne Schearer, all of Bluffton, and Jasmine (Daniel) Ruiz of Columbia City.
Randy loved being a grandpa and was a jokester with his six grandchildren — Kali and Jakeb Boxell of Zanesville, Baylee and Alyssa Schearer of Pleasant Mills, Amelia (John) Ackerman of Fort Wayne, and Daniela Ruiz of Columbia City; and one great-granddaughter, Natalie Akerman of Fort Wayne.
Randy is also survived by his siblings, Theron (Clara) Miller of Bluffton and Kenna (Roger) Hippenhammer of Noblesville; a sister-in-law, Betty Runkle of Wolcottville; his in-laws, Bernie Kleinknight of Geneva, Tom (Kim) Gentis of Petroleum, and Tracy (Rhonda) Gentis of McNatt; along with many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Karon Miller and Harold Runkle.
A service to celebrate Randy’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Rev. Lyle Breeding and Pastor Steve Studabaker will officiate.
Visitation will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton and for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
Memorials may be made in Randy’s memory to the Body of Life Ministry at Sonlight Wesleyan Church. Burial will take place at a later date at Six Mile Cemetery in Bluffton.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com