Don Cornell

Don E. Cornell, 83, of Mansfield, Ohio, went to be with the Lord, March 12, 2012 surrounded by family and friends. Don was born February 14, 1929 in Mansfield, Ohio, the son of late Glenn and Helen Cornell. He was the youngest of three children that included his late brother, Floyd Cornell and surviving sister, Isabelle Blackledge. Don graduated from Madison High School in 1947 where he was a lineman for the Rams football team, as well as the owner of a Ford Model A, which he proudly painted the wheels to match the team colors. It’s been told that same Ford was involved in more than a few road races with friends through the dusty roads found below Little Washington. As a young boy, he was a member of 4H, showing lambs and steers when he wasn’t helping with daily chores on the family farm.

On September 3rd, 1949, he married Phyllis M. Cornell, who survives, enjoying a celebrated life together for 63 years. Don and Phyllis have given their family a lifetime of love and support that will certainly touch many for generations to come. Don proudly served in the United States Naval Reserve throughout the 1950s and 60s and could often be found instructing a class of new recruits in the principles of accounting. Employed by Westinghouse, Tappan, and W.C.I., Don spent over 40 years in the appliance industry performing a wide range of duties including that of an industrial engineer with many years in the accounting, shipping and product support offices here in Mansfield, Ontario and Columbus before retiring in the early 1990s. As a member of The First English Lutheran Church for most of his adult life, Don performed duties of treasurer at one point and was a regular in various roles of the church Christmas celebration. His love for performing could be seen in venues including high school, church and local theatre. Sons Don and John enjoyed many a camping excursion with the dad and the local YMCA Indian Guides.

Don enjoyed traveling with his wife and family and touched all 4 corners of our great country, including many visits to Arizona, Florida and even Hawaii. Always physically active, Don enjoyed swimming, tennis, bowling, bike riding, and of course, golfing where as recently as last fall (while using portable oxygen) could still best his youngest son. Don could be found any given Tuesday (Tappan league) or weekend at the local courses and was fortunate to play some of the nicest courses around the country. Don also loved taking photos, painting, and sketching in oil, acrylic and charcoal: everything from beautiful mountain and western scenes, to local landmarks and horses. He loved sending his work as a postcard to family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Cornell of Mansfield, OH.; son and daughter-in-law, Don and Ruth Cornell of Lancaster, OH.; daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Russ Roshau of Phoenix, AZ.; son and daughter-in-law, John and Cindy Cornell of Mansfield, OH.; grandchildren, Andrew and Matthew Cornell, Robert and Christie Roshau, and Sarah and Grace Cornell.; and sister, Isabelle Blackledge of Mansfield.

Mr. Cornell was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Helen Cornell along with brother Floyd Cornell.

Calling hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2012 at the Wappner Funeral Home, 98 South Diamond Street in Mansfield OH. A service will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the First English Lutheran Church located at 53 Park Avenue West, Mansfield OH. Family and friends are invited back to the church for food and companionship after the burial at Mansfield Cemetery.

The family requests that any flowers be sent to the Diamond St. Wappner Funeral Home, or in place, a charitable donation to the “Standing In The Gap Foundation”, an At-Risk Youth Organization Mr. Don Cornell’s granddaughter, Christie, works very closely with (SIGFoundation.org).