Simon was born on his family’s cattle ranch in Markham, TX on December 29, 1923 to the late William Daniel and Mary Ethel Johnson Cornelius. He grew up on the ranch raising and tending to cattle with his father. Simon Graduated from High school in 1942 and spent a year in college at St Edwards University before he was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country as a member of the US Army as a Staff Sergeant before he was honorably discharged in 1946. After completing his assignment, he continued his education at the University of Texas before entering South Texas College of Law, was admitted to the Texas Bar and practiced law in Port Lavaca while continuing to maintain the family Ranch. In 1951 he married his wife Florine Bielstein of 61 years and continued his family’s cattle ranching legacy. In 1988 he received the Matagorda County Outstanding Rancher award for his accomplishments in the conservation of soil, water and resources. He was also a member of The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory.
Simon is survived by his four children, Yvette Cornelius Jircik (Jan) of Houston, Andre’ Cornelius of New York, Simon Casper Cornelius Jr. (Shelly) of Tomball and Amanda Cornelius Parker (Tim) of Friendswood. Simon also leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florine Bielstein Cornelius and siblings, William Daniel Cornelius Jr., Anne Belle Cobb and Leonard Cornelius.
Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday September 26th from 5-7 PM at Rosewood Funeral Chapel with a rosary to be recited at 7 PM.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9 AM Friday September the 27th at St. Mary Catholic Church with The Very Rev. Gary Janak officiating. Entombment with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Jeff Lehnert, Stacey Cook, Eric Salles, Gabriel Valdez, Kenny Iglesias and Stephen Perry III.
Honorary Pallbearers: Mark Shimek
The family would like to extend special thanks to Daddy’s dear friend and Doctor, Larry Riedel. We also want to thank Evelyn Maninang, Ma Theresa Auxilio, Eric Salles, and all of his caregivers who helped him continue his ranching business.
Memorial donations may be made to The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory, Houston Methodist Neurology – Movement Disorders, or Mount Sinai Robert and John M. Bendheim Parkinson and Movement Disorder Center.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
