Anthony Eugene Runk

Anthony Eugene Runk, passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 56 in Lenexa, KS surrounded by his family.

Tony was born on June 3, 1969, in Clinton, Missouri, to Thomas A. Runk and Janice M. Evans. He grew up in Warrensburg, Missouri, where he formed lifelong friendships and stayed active in sports, including baseball, football, basketball, wrestling, and track. He also developed a love for fishing and golf—both of which remained constants throughout his life. He remained close with a tight-knit group of friends from those early years, friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Tony spent much of his career in painting and remodeling, where his strong work ethic and ability to fix just about anything stood out. He was the kind of man people called when something needed to be figured out, and he took pride in helping others whenever he could. He loved to cook and grill, enjoyed being outdoors, and over the years always had a dog (usually two) by his side. He was a genuinely sweet, caring, and generous person who always wanted to make people laugh. And if you lived nearby, you probably saw him out there in the winter—shoveling the driveway in shorts, flip-flops, and his signature visor, rarely bothering with a coat no matter how cold it was. It was just Tony being Tony.

At his core, Tony was someone who wanted to make people happy. He was a people-pleaser in the truest sense—always trying to bring a smile, lighten the mood, or make someone feel good. That spirit showed up in his humor, his dad jokes, and especially in his unforgettable line: “I’m glad you got to see me.”

Above all, Tony was a devoted husband and father. His boys were the center of his world, and he took pride in being there for them in both big and everyday moments. Tony is survived by his wife, Jacqueline (Lee) Runk; his two sons, Anthony Runk and Aidan Runk; his mother, Janice M. Evans; his siblings, Mari Jayne Manley, Halie (Doug) Van Allen, and Chad (Alexandra) Runk; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas A. Runk.

Tony wished not to have formal services held in his passing. Please instead join us at his Celebration of Life which will be held on Sunday, June 14, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Shawnee Town Hall. The family encourages you to honor Tony by sharing a memory or pictures, telling a story, or simply taking time to make someone smile—something he did naturally.