Donald Cornelius

Donald "Corky" Cornelius was a very generous man who cared deeply about his family. With his thoughtful nature and his love for helping others, many people described him as being "Bigger than Life". Donald, however, always remained a humble man who would rather be with his wife and kids than any other place on earth.

1939 was a tumultuous year for many worldwide. After enjoying an all too brief period of peace following World War I, many watched in terror as Germany invaded Poland and occupied Bohemia and Moravia, thrusting the globe into World War II. Although it would be years before the neutral United States officially became involved in the fighting, President Roosevelt prepared for the worst by submitting a $1,319 million defense budget. Despite the worldwide fear of war, for Calvin and Olive Cornelius of Niles, Michigan, there was reason to celebrate. The couples' youngest son was born on March 28 of that same year.

As the youngest child in a large family, Don quickly learned to fight for what was his, a skill he would carry into his teens. A quick and agile young man, Don became a golden gloves lightweight boxer in high school. Though his athletic pursuits kept him busy, he was also hard worker. At the tender age of 13 he took his first job setting pins at the bowling alley and later began stocking shelves and bagging groceries at the local grocery store. Although Don enjoyed working in the grocery store, after graduating Niles High School in 1956, he felt patriotic tugs at his heartstrings and decided to join the Marines. Between the ages 18-21, Don served his country as a heavy artillery operator. Following his return from the service, he decided to start a new life for himself in West Palm Beach, Florida. Don enjoyed his job and spending time with his relatives in Florida, but soon he grew to miss Michigan. Finally deciding to return to his home state, Donald worked at several places including Big Top, Hardings, and assisted in building and managing Johnson's Supermarket in Lake Odessa. Most recently he was employed at Jangula Cleaning where he served as the manager. Of all his jobs, Don was perhaps most fond of Jangula. As a manager, he had the opportunity to form close relationships with many of his co-workers, as well as becoming good friends with his boss.

A social man, Don participated in many activities that allowed him to meet a variety of people and form lasting friendships. Don loved people and enjoyed getting to know the many he encountered through his various hobbies. He loved to play golf and was on a Monday night league with his son, Donnie, at the Lynx golf course. When not golfing, he also enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, and cribbage. However, it was not his athletic prowess that Don will be remembered by. Memories of Don will most likely be centered on his consistent generosity. A giving man you never needed to ask for his help, because he was always there before you needed to ask. His sister remembers one snowy day when he showed up at her house with a bag of groceries. Knowing that she was snowed in and couldn't shovel the driveway herself, he sensed her needs and was there to help. As a father, Don was always liberal with his time. During his first marriage to Linda (Broadhurst) Lillian, he had three wonderful children, whom he thoroughly adored: Angel, Donnie, and April. He spent many hours teaching them to golf, bowl, and play pool, and he instilled in them the importance of doing their best. Don's motto was: "Always give 100% or do not try." As his children would grow and have kids of their own, he would become a doting grandfather, always providing his grandkids with toys and unconditional love.

Though Don was very happy with his children and his career, it was apparent he was missing something in his life. After one special day of work at Big Top Market, he soon found what that was. The young Diane was on a shopping trip when the two met. They soon began talking and one evening the couple went out for a night of drinks and dancing. Realizing that something special was growing between them, the couple enjoyed an evening filled with conversation and laughter. As the night progressed, time slipped away and soon they found themselves watching the sunrise. Don invited Diane back to his home for breakfast, and soon the couple fell in love. On May 22, 1998 the lovebirds made their lives complete when they took their vows and became husband and wife. As the years grew on, the newlyweds fell deeper and deeper in love. Don always said that the highlight of his life was coming home after work to see her everyday. Already lively people, somehow the two managed to bring the best out in each other. The two were so in love, that they would often miss each other after being separated only a short while. After an evening of golfing, Don would call his wife and say, "Hey Baby, I'm coming home!" When he returned for the evening, he would throw his arms around her and proclaim, "I can't stop loving you!" They were truly a romantic couple.

Together the couple loved to travel. Many times they would visit Florida, Kentucky, and the falls up north, stopping to try their luck at casinos along the way. Though many of their trips were local, the husband and wife team also took a cruise to the Caribbean. Although both Diane and Don each brought a family of their own into the marriage, both sets of children fell perfectly into place and would have it no other way. As a team they made the perfect set of parents, and the children thoroughly believe that they could not have asked for more from them. Setting an example of love, they instantly became "Mom" and "Dad" to all of their children. Don and Diane were the type of people who went out of their way to make everyone they knew happy. Determined to provide for their children and grandchildren, they would spare their last dime or the shirt off their backs to help. The couple never had to be asked for their help, they just volunteered; it was the way they were.

After sixty-five years as a loving son, husband, father, and friend Donald Cornelius died July 2, 2004 in an auto accident in Colorado, with his beloved wife at his side. His memory will survive in the hearts of his family that includes his children: Angel & Scott Ward of Hastings, Donald C. Cornelius of Yankee Springs, April Cornelius of Hastings, Timothy Adams of Scottsville, KY, and Kimberly Adams of Portage; grandchildren: Dustin, Devin & Brooke Ward, Britney, Nicholas & David Cornelius, and Daisy & Casandra Adams; and siblings: Jim Smith of NV, Darlene Taylor of TX, Jackie & Glen Rex of FL, and Jerry & Virginia Cornelius of FL. He was preceded in death by his wife Diane, his parents, and brother Bill Richards. Please visit Don’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial donation to the Wings of Hope Hospice.

Don was a very loving husband, father, and grandfather. A devoted dad, he was known to show up to each of his children's sporting events. His kids will forever remember him as their best coach, because he coached from his heart with his fatherly inspiration. Living a full and happy life, he was always thankful that he was able to marry the love of his life, Diane.