Gerry grew up in the small town of Hawthorne, Nevada where he excelled in school. Gerry attended high school in Ridgecrest, California while living with his dad, Donald Cornelius.
Gerry joined the Air Force in August 1991. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He served in Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska where he met and married Rebecca White. Rebecca brought to their union, two young children, Alexis and Quillan, whom he wholeheartedly helped to raise. Gerry then transferred to Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, and then Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora prior to being honorably discharged from the service. His daughter Reilly was born on December 15, 2002 in Aurora Colorado. She was Gerry’s pride and joy.
Gerry loved good restaurants, great food, and entertaining friends and family. He loved spending time with his brothers on hunting trips and other adventurous outings. “Uncle G” was popular with his nieces and nephews. He always made sure the kids were all having a good time. Gerry was game for anything and was eager to take trips all over the country to visit family. He had a very generous spirit.
Gerry spent three years as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman before he spent another six years’ operating and engineering experimental satellites for the United States Airforce. He then continued to assist Department of Defense endeavors as a contractor for Scitor before moving on to Lockheed Martin. He was well respected in his industry for his professionalism and skill sets with his 28 years of experience.
Gerry is survived by his wife Rebecca White; daughters Reilly and Alexis (Alex); son Quillan; mother Mimi Wheeler; father Don Cornelius; brothers Geoff Cornelius; Greg (Shelly) Cornelius, Eric (Stephanie) Cornelius; Joe (Katrina) Wheeler; grandsons Rex and Ryker; numerous nieces and nephews (many of whom proclaimed Gerry as their favorite uncle); and many friends and co-workers. Gerry was preceded in death by his step-father, Jim Wheeler.
A memorial service for Jerry will be held Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 7405 South Addison Court, Aurora, Colorado 80015.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageAurora.com for the Cornelius family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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