Glenn Alan Unruh, age 85, passed into eternity on December 29th, 2021. He loved and was loved by many, and was a loyal and true friend. Glenn was born to Alan and Clara (Decker) Unruh on October 30th, 1936 on a farm in Kansas.
He was the oldest of three sons raised on the farm, and despite his challenges developed a strong work ethic, learned to read and write, and learned to love Jesus at a young age.
After moving to Newton, Glenn was very outgoing and spent a lot of time on his bike as he went around town talking to people. He struggled with his speech and his body, but never allowed his disability to stop him from communicating, working hard, and being around people. His favorite place to be was church, where he met people who accepted and loved him just the way he was. He loved gospel music (most of all, the Ledbetter group) and wearing suits. And ballcaps. Often at the same time. He loved to be generous with what little he had to share. His laughter and smile was offered easily. Although he was imperfect, he exemplified simple, childlike faith in God and tried his best to live with Jesus in control of his heart. Glenn was quick to apologize, quick to forgive, quick to offer a hug, quick to help. He worshipped God with his voice, his heart and his actions. He attended First Nazarene Church for many years until he moved to Wichita where he was active in a Sunday school class and congregation at Central Community church. One of his favorite things was to send birthday and Christmas cards to people he loved, but his very favorite thing to receive was a card from someone. He kept each of them like treasures.
Glenn loved his family, and he remembered and spoke lovingly of family members even those he hadn’t seen in a long time. He counted his close friends as family. In his later years he would pause, grab a hand, lock eyes and say “I love you”, and “thank you” with authenticity and depth.
As Jesus taught in Matthew 19, “many who are first will be last and many who are last will be first”. Glenn spent his time in this life as a person who wasn’t first in any line, but most of us can agree that he is rejoicing in his restored mind, body and spirit today.
Service date to be determined.