Earl LeRoy Runkle, age 71, of 501 Chestnut Street, Hegins, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at his residence. He was born on Tuesday, March 23, 1937 in Trevorton, a son of the late Lester Runkle and Gertie (Crissinger) Runkle. He was a 1955 graduate of the former Hegins Twp High School and had attended Penn State University. He served in the US Army. He was a self employed auto mechanic and owner of the former Runkle's Texaco, Hegins, and had retired as a die repairman at AMP, Tower City. He was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ, Hegins. He was also a former member of the Hegins Valley View Rotary. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia M. (Hentz) Runkle in 2003. He is survived by a son, Scott L Runkle and his wife, Karla of Hegins; two grandsons, Shawn M Runkle and Cory S Runkle both of Hegins; and two brothers, Raymond Runkle of Silver Bay, MN and Clarence Runkle of Sellersville. Services were held at Friedens United Church of Christ, Hegins, on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Claude Schach officiating. A viewing was held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial was made in Friedens Cemetery, Hegins. Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, was in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com .