Jimmy Tharp Runer, 76, of Gas, Kansas, died Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at his home. Jimmy was born November 20, 1934, in Iola, Kansas, the son of Rufus Arley and Mosline E. (Tharp) Runer. He grew up in Iola and attended Iola schools. He joined the United States Marine Corps and served 21 years before he retired from the military in 1971. He served in Korea and Vietnam and made his home in Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Texas and California. Jimmy made his home in Bruce, Mississippi after he retired from the service. In 1980, he returned to the Iola area and married Nancy (Gumfory) McCulley. They made their home in Gas. Jimmy worked as a security guard for the Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Burlington before he retired. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and attended the First Presbyterian Church in Iola. He enjoyed woodworking and doing carpentry work. SURVIVORS: His wife: Nancy Runer 2 Children: Steve Runer & wife, Cristina of Germantown, Tennessee, and Debi Runer Box of Bruce, Mississippi 8 Grandchildren: Missy Ross & husband, Jason stationed with the USAF in Aviano, Italy, Shawn McCulley & wife, Janette of Iola, KS, Doug Lieurance, Jr. & wife, Jeri of Iola, KS, Sophia & Olivia Runer of Germantown, TN and Cassidy, Coady & Kelly Box of Bruce, MS 7 Great Grandchildren: Kylee & Zachary Ross, Jasmine, Clarissa, Savannah, Shawn Jr., & William McCulley 3 Sisters: Cleo Powell of Texas, Fern Ball of Texas and Linda Runer of Wichita, KS He was preceded in death by a brother, Harvie Runer and a sister, Faun. Cremation has taken place. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Rev. Jim Rausch will officiate. INURNMENT: Ft. Scott National Cemetery at a later date MEMORIAL CHOICES: Disabled American Veterans or Fee's Park at Gas, KS Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.