ST. PETERS, Mo. -- Vurnis Lee Runnels, 74, of St. Peters passed away Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

He was born June 3, 1949, in Cape Girardeau to Weldon and Fern Slinkard 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 is survived by his wife, Diane Moffitt Runnels; daughter, Amy (Bill) Voelkel; stepsons, Benjamin (Jaclyn) Morris and Jesse (Chandra) Morris; mother, Fern Runnels; sister, Lucille (Charles) Humes; and brother-in-law, Ronnie (Vikki) Moffitt. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, two 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.

Friends and family are invited to gather outdoors for a "block party"-style celebration of life planned to honor Vurn. The celebration, which will have a Hawaiian and photography theme, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at his home, 219 Partinico Place in St. Peters.

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

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

Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions is in charge of arrangements.

To share a memory of Vurn or leave a special message for his family, visit www.newcomerstlouis.com.