Vurnis Lee Runnels

Vurnis Lee Runnels, age 74, of Saint Peters, Missouri passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023. He was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on June 3, 1949 to Weldon and Fern Runnels (nee Slinkard).

Vurn is survived by his wife, Diane Runnels (nee Moffitt); daughter, Amy (Bill) Voelkel; step-sons, Benjamin (Jaclyn) Morris and Jesse (Chandra) Morris; mother, Fern Runnels; sister, Lucille (Charles) Humes; and brother-in-law, Ronnie (Vikki) Moffitt. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Weldon Lee Runnels.

Vurn was an amateur photographer who loved taking nature pictures and sharing them with family and friends - as long as he was able he was rarely caught without one of his cameras. He was a car enthusiast, enjoyed a wide range of music, spending time outdoors, and was an avid bicyclist before his ALS diagnosis. Some of the highlights of his life were the many visits he made with his wife and family to Hawaii. Nothing gave him as much joy though, as time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Vurn's family wishes to express their gratitude to the Missouri ALS Association, Team Gleason Foundation, the specialists from Wash-U, and the nurses and staff of Unity Hospice and Promedica Hospice for their kindness and support throughout the duration of his illness.


Friends and family are invited to gather outside for a "Block Party" style Celebration of Life planned to honor Vurn. The celebration will have a Hawaiian and photography theme, and will be held on Saturday, October 21 at 2pm at his home address, 219 Partinico Place in St. Peters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Vurn's honor to your local ALS Organization or Team Gleason Foundation.

To share a memory of Vurn or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.