Don was born February 1, 1930 in St. Louis, MO to Donald Francis Sr. and Clara Isabelle (Reiniger) Cornell.
He is survived by his loving wife, Martha (Kohrs) Cornell; his five children, Curtis (Marnie) Cornell, Kent (Kathy) Cornell, Patrick (Ann) Cornell, Mary Page Mueller and Donald F. (Karen) Cornell III; grandchildren, Daniel, Jennifer (Nicholas), Ryan, Jessica (David), Kyle, Derek, Emilee, Curtis, Cameron and Ashlyn; great-grandchildren, Neiha, London, Liam, Easton and Brynlee; siblings, Marilyn McBride, Colleen McManus and Michael (Shirley) Cornell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas Cornell.
Don proudly served his country in the United States Navy and retired from General Motors. He was a successful coach of his children and their athletic teams. He also made every attempt to attend all games and performances of all his grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan, especially his beloved Pittsburgh teams and Notre Dame. Don’s loss leaves a painful void but his life and legacy will never be forgotten.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or ALS. Additional condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.
A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. A time of gathering will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of Mass. Interment will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
