Roll Call Tribute

Published in GoSanAngelo from July 25 to July 27, 2014

Jack R. Runkles
SAN ANGELO Jack R. Runkles, 91, of San Angelo, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2014. Family visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2014, at Johnson's Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2014, in Fairmount Cemetery. Pastor Lakan Mariano will officiate. Jack was born Sept. 4, 1922, to Rhodes R. Runkles and Ona Mann Runkles in San Angelo. He graduated from San Angelo High School in 1941. He was the captain of the 1941 track team. He enrolled in Texas A&M University in Fall 1941. In August 1942, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he served 20 months in the South Pacific Islands and Guam. He received an honorable discharge in August 1945. He ranched in Schleicher County with his father-in-law until 1948, when he enrolled in Texas A&M University. He graduated in 1950, with a Bachelor of Science. He graduated with a Master of Science in agronomy in 1952. He then attended Iowa State University and graduated with a PhD in soil physics. After graduation, he served on the faculty of South Dakota State University as professor for eight years in research and teaching. In 1964, he joined the faculty of Texas A&M University as professor in the soil and crop science department. He served in that capacity until 1968 when he was appointed the director of the Texas Water Resources Institute at Texas A&M University. Jack was elected fellow of The American Society of Agronomy in 1969. He was elected fellow of The Soil Science Society of America in 1976. Jack was elected "Outstanding Water Conservationist of the Year" by the Texas Water Conservation Association in March 1983. He was awarded "Honorary Life Membership" by the Texas Water Conservation Association in February 1984. Jack was appointed professor emeritus by the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System following his retirement from the university. He ranched on the family ranches in Coke and Schleicher counties after his retirement. Jack enjoyed many years of cattle ranching. He also enjoyed the outdoors and hunting. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Davis of Marfa, Texas; and one daughter, Margo McNeill of San Angelo. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Betty Runkles; two daughters and sons-in-law, Marcia and John Samuelson of San Angelo and Rebecca and Robert Dunnebacke of Jackson, Tennessee; son-in-law Roy McNeill of San Angelo; and son and daughter-in-law Richard and Janet Runkles of Windsor, Colorado. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Steven Hall, Stacey Bain, Jeffrey Hall, Leslie Ludy, John Runkles, David Runkles, Angela Hutchens and Joseph Dunnebacke. Jack also has 11 great-grandchildren surviving him. Jack was a dependable and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend - true to his Christian faith. Family and friends may sign an online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.