Edmund James Runner, Jr., 92, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Friday, November 25, 2016, after a long life full of love and devotion to helping others.

Ed, known by friends as "Eddie" and by family as "Papa," spent countless hours volunteering with the Red Cross, assisting with natural disasters, opening his home to flood victims, and providing support after the Hyatt tragedy. With his wife Catherine he contributed to exhibits and supported volunteers at the KC Museum and assisted with the transition of Science City to Union Station and getting it on its feet. As an Eagle Scout he was always prepared and always there to help others in need no matter who it was or what the situation. Measure 50 times and cut once, every job was done to perfection and precision. The only thing greater than his intelligence was his love for "his girls" - how he affectionately referred to his wife, daughter, and granddaughters.

Ed, a World War 2 Veteran, avid photographer, and Northeast High School graduate (yearbook committee with his buddy Charles Schultz), was born May 16, 1924 in Kansas City, MO. He married the love of his life Catherine, "Katie Mae," on April 9, 1944 having shared 63 loving years together.

Ed was preceded in death by Catherine in 2007, and their daughter, Patricia Runner, in 1964.

Always the caring and fun-loving grandfather, father, and friend to all, he will be greatly missed. He and Katie have left countless touching memories and life lessons that will carry on for years to come.

Survivors include his daughter Barbara Mohler of Kansas City, MO; granddaughters Traci Morris of Cumming, GA and Kristi Cruise of Kansas City, MO; great grandson Zachary Morris of Cumming, and great granddaughter Emilia Cruise of Kansas City.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. with services starting at 12 p.m. on Friday, December 2, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Stanley, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the Kansas City Hospice Foundation : 1500 Meadowlake Pkwy, Ste 200, KCMO 64114; and/or the Cherokee Nation Foundation : 800 S. Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah, OK 74464

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com