More detail on this person: Major Adam E.
Runk, Sr., 79, U.S. Army, Retired, died July 27,
2015 at the William Childs Hospice House, Palm
Bay, Florida.
Adam Runk is survived by his wife Sandra A. Runk,
daughter Michelle L. (George M.) Smith, and sons
Adam E. (Denise) Runk, Jr. and Keith M. Runk. He
also leaves behind five grandchildren, Nathaniel,
Sandra, Terri, Kassandre and Kevin, eleven great
grandchildren, and two brothers. He was preceded
in death by his parents, Ruby and Emory Runk, his
sister Betty Nace and daughter Sherri L. Runk.
Adam was born September 19, 1935 in Jackson
Township, PA and raised in the York, PA area as
one of four children. After graduating from high
school and joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954,
he was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division in
Okinawa. Following three years of service in the
U.S. Marines, he worked a brief period with his
father in law in Ft Lauderdale, FL, with Gateway
Trucking Company. In 1957 he reentered the
military service where he served as a Aircraft
Crew Chief and Mechanic in the U.S. Army,
stationed in Texas, Colorado and Germany. In
1962, Adam was selected to attend Officer
Candidate School, followed by flight training at
Camp Wolters, TX and Fort Rucker, AL, where he
became an outstanding helicopter pilot. He served
at numerous duty stations, including tours of duty
in the Republic of South Viet Nam, Alabama,
Alaska, Colorado and Virginia. Adam's leadership,
training and piloting skills were legendary;
earning him numerous awards for exemplary service
and valor, including the Bronze Star, Valorous
Unit Award, Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army
Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal,
Overseas Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal,
Senior Aviator Badge and 25 Air Medals, including
the 'V' device for Valor.
Adam was the first in his family to obtain a
college degree and after retiring from the U.S.
Army as a Major he worked in waste water
management for Brevard County, the state of
Florida, Cape Canaveral and Patrick Air Force
Base. His skills with waste water and
environmental waste management were renowned
and he was recognized by both state and federal
agencies for outstanding performance.
Adam was a dedicated family man, spending as
much time as possible with his wife of nearly 61
years, his children, grandchildren and great
grandchildren. He took a special pride in his
family and their successes, cheering and mentoring
them to reach their goals. Adam was a member of
the Shriners and Masons, and remained a founding
member of the U.S. Army Aviation Branch, The
American Legion, The Veteran's of Foreign Wars
and the Viet Nam Helicopter Pilot's Association.
He was active in the local community and
supported his home church, Ascension Lutheran
Church in Indian Harbour Beach.
Services will be held at Florida Memorial Gardens
Life Event Center, July 30, 2015 where he will be
interred. - See more at www.floridamemorialfh.com
. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
William Childs Hospice House, Palm Bay, FL.
Visitation is planned for family and friends
Thursday, July 30, 2015 from 10:00am to 11:00am
with a funeral service to follow, all will be at
the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950
South US Highway 1, Rockledge Florida.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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