Son of Elmer and Alberta M. Runkle Partch. Brother of Rowena Runkle Alexander, Irene Runkle Peters of Denver, Lela Runkle Boatman of Edmond, Kansas, and Gladys Runkle Bailey of Hale. Moved to Colorado with his family in 1917. Husband of Inez Wagner Runkle. Worked as farmer since he was a child after father died. Enlisted March 2, 1942. Trained at Camp Haan, Fort Lewis and Fort Ord. Served as Kiska, Hawaii and Marshall Islands, after which hospitalized at Hawaii. While serving at Leyte contracted malaria and treated at Dutch New Guinea. Member 184th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Awarded Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.