On Feb. 17, 2020, God’s angels on whispering wings lofted Edwin’s spirit to its eternal reward, where there will be no more death, sorrow, pain or suffering. Edwin C. Runner, Esq. was born on July 31, 1926, in the family farm house at Route 92 and Runner Cut Road in Preston County. The son of Harrison and Pearl Digman Runner, Edwin grew up and attended a one-room school through his early childhood and graduated from Fellowsville High School in 1944.
As a young man, Edwin dreamed of becoming an attorney but was a patriot, too, and paused his studies to serve his country during World War II. He served in the Pacific in Co B 304th SIG OPN BN throughout the war, first on the island Leyte in the eastern Philippines, and was part of the occupying force landing on Japan when the war ended. He left the Army as corporal (T5C), turning down a commission to Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army to return to school.
After the war, Edwin returned to West Virginia University and achieved his dream of becoming an attorney. At the university, he finished his studies and received a Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Arts and Doctor of Jurisprudence degrees. He started his practice in June 1952 in Kingwood. After years of private practice, Edwin was elected as Preston County prosecuting attorney in 1972 and served in the role for four years. He tried more cases than any other prosecuting attorney during one term of court. In all, Edwin provided legal advice to hundreds of clients for 68 years.
Edwin participated in many civic organizations: the Lions Club, Eagle, Moose, Grange, a 320 Mason and VFW, among others. He was the mayor of Kingwood from 1961-65. His pro-bono legal counsel lead to the establishment of the WV IOOF Educational Committee in 1968 and he served as its president for 51 years, resulting in many young people receiving grants for a college education.
As an attorney, lay preacher, farmer, photographer, husband and father, Edwin fought for ethical and honorable conduct throughout his life. His love of history was demonstrated by his many world travels. He visited places he read about so that he could experience them first hand. In all, he visited 14 countries. His favorite journeys included Egypt, China, Turkey, Russia and Germany.
Edwin C. Runner leaves three sons and five grandchildren to cherish his memory. They are his son, David; granddaughter, Sarah; son, Eric and his wife, Susan; granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Rachel; son, Tracy and his wife, Lisa; grandson, Samuel; and granddaughter, Hannah. Edwin will be missed by a host of other relatives and friends. Josephine, Ed’s wife of 57 years, went to heaven before him in 2013.
The viewing and funeral will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at Bolyard Funeral Home, Newburg, and from 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, to the time of service at noon with Pastor Randall F. Flanagan officiating. Interment will follow at the West Virginia National Cemetery. Military graveside services will be accorded by the VFW Memorial City Post #3081, American Legion Taylor County Post #12, Central WVA DAV Chapter 24, and their auxiliaries and the Army National Honor Guard at the West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytown.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift can be sent the organizations that were important to Edwin C. Runner: to Fellowsville High School Alumni Association scholarship fund, COF Sandra Jennings, 4775 Marquess Road, Tunnelton, WV 264444; IOOF Education Fund, COF Paul Hevner 1465 Tremont Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505; or to Wesley United Methodist Church, 503 North High St., Morgantown, WV 26505.
Bolyard Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the Runner family.
Condolences:
www.bolyardfuneralhomewv.com
