Jerry L. Runner Obituary (1953 - 2015)

Jerry L. Runner June 20, 1953 to May 13, 2015 Born in Elkins, West Virginia to the late Creed and Hilda (Kerr) Runner. Also preceded in death by his brother, Tom and granddaughter, Kylie Grace. Jerry gave his life to the Lord when he was 18 years old. Jerry loved to teach. He taught in the Canton City Schools for over 30 years starting with Martin Elementary then Woodland, Schreiber, Clarendon and finally Cedar Elementary Schools. And he continued to teach after moving to Florida at First Academy in Orlando. He was very active at Canton Baptist Temple. He loved to teach the word of God to children too. He taught Sunday school for over 30 years and he sponsored many children from the city to attend Camp CHOF. There he was responsible for leading many children to a personal relationship with God. Jerry also loved sports. His favorite teams include The Cleveland Indians and Cavaliers, OSU Buckeyes, Chicago Cubs, Mt. Union Purple Raiders and the Hoover Vikings. Survived by his wife of 38 years, Janet; his children, Julie (Alex) delaFe, Jenny (Justin) Burkholder, and Josh (Rachael) Runner; grandchildren, Jordan and Isabella; Janet’s parents, Kenneth and Ruth Wenger; half sisters including Carolyn Begley. A celebration of his life will be Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 7 pm in the Henniger Chapel of Canton Baptist Temple where family and friends will gather from 6-7 pm. In lieu flowers, memorials may be made to Canton Baptist Temple for Camp CHOF to sponsor kids to attend and a Guatemala building project where a classroom will be built in his memory.