Gordon Miller Runner was born on Nov. 7, 1926 in Spokane, Washington, the seventh of twelve children.   He is survived by his wife Roberta; his sisters Ellen Seaborn, Muriel Brown, Lila Lohman, Jean Bird, Thelma Reinhard, and Wilma Thompson; his brother Bruce; a daughter Rhonelle Pillsbury; a niece Charlene Worley; a grandson Glenn Gordon Pillsbury; and a large number of other nieces and nephews. His parents Bert and Eunice Runner moved their family to Delhi in 1934 where they raised almonds and grapes as primary crops.  Gordon graduated from Livingston High School, and then enlisted in the United States Air Force.  During World War II, he was stationed in the Aleutian Islands.
Upon discharge from active duty, he matriculated from Bob Jones University and then attended San Francisco Theological Seminary.  After his studies, he returned to Delhi to help with the family farm.  In 1965 he married Roberta Jamison, and four years later, together they welcomed their daughter, Rhonelle.
Gordon worked for the Stanislaus County Department of Social Services for 27 years, and retired as a supervisor; his position with the county enabled him to continue to farm. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and collecting coins. In retirement he was also able to devote more time to Calvary Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir and served in a variety of stewardship roles.
A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 547 Rose Ave in Modesto.
Memorials may be sent to the Calvary Lutheran Memorial Fund, 547 Rose Ave, Modesto, CA 95355.
Allen Mortuary in charge of arrangements, please share your condolences at www.allenmortuary.com