Robert Cortez Runnels

My best friend/husband, Robert Cortez Runnels was born in Angelina, Texas on March 16, 1952 to the late John Wesley Runnels and Annie Zola Evans.

Robert had the opportunity to live aboard in Germany, it was there he found his love for music and the drums. He played in a band at various venues and yes he got “paid”. Eventually, he returned to the States and Merced, CA, he called home. He graduated in 1971 and shortly thereafter moved to Sacramento, CA, only to move back sometime later to Merced, where he faced many challenges. In 1989, he relocated to Fresno, CA, it was here in Fresno where he found his niche, met and married his wife of 33 years. In 1991, Robert committed himself to Christ and became a member of Providence Baptist Church, he wanted all family members to attend and Easter Sunday was a MUST.

Robert retired from Servi-Tech Controls Inc. in 2017 and became the handyman/driver for family and friends. He was passionate about LA Lakers, Raiders, and his music, but his love was spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Robert spent his retirement doing what he loved ~ keeping the cars clean, sitting in his recliner reading on his iPad with his little buddy, grand-dog, Beau-Kat-Cold, as he called him, and talking to his brother on the phone. His weekends were filled with taking rides to various casinos. Robert loved his family & friends and he said, “In life all you will get if you’re lucky, is love from your significant other, a home you own, and memories to cherish,” which is what he left to all of us. My husband fell in love by what he did for me, not by what I did for him, “A Phenomenal Man”.

Robert leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Jean Thomas-Runnels, his three children: Keisha L. Runnels, Tashiana L. Aquino, and Cortez L. Runnels, his three grandchildren: D’Andre Glenn, Jennice Glenn, and Aniya Bartholomew, siblings: Shirley Brown, Caroline Brown, Kenneth Lawrence,Carmen Tancredi, Michael Estes, Marcus Estes, David Runnels, John Runnels, Sadie Runnels, Linda Runnels, Shelia Runnels, Roslinda Runnels, and a host of loving relatives and friends.
Preceded him in death (siblings): Carl Runnels, Curtis Runnels, and Lavonia Runnels

You will be missed but never forgotten. You have captured a place in our hearts.