Gary Kenneth Cornelson Sr.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, he was the son of Helen Howell and John Eddie Cornelson, Sr. He finished high school and took some college classes.

Gary served proudly in the Army for 14 years from 1972 to 1986 in 101st Airborne and moved up to Army Staff Sergeant. He had been married three times before, but as he often said, the 4th time was the right one!

He worked house construction with family. He worked as Store Manager for many years before retiring in 2018 upon doctors’ suggestion after completion of heart surgery stemming from a heart condition that occurred after a childhood bout with Rheumatic Fever.

He also survived brain surgery in 2021 for a blood clot; he was often seen showing off his scars. He was proud of what his Lord hath brought him thru!

Upon retirement, Gary stayed busy maintaining several houses and had more time for enjoying life such as motorcycle riding, fishing, and camping out, as well as roasting marshmallows around the fire pit with his loving wife, Wonna. He was good at artwork and very much enjoyed Square Dancing at various clubs, and he enjoyed dressing up for a good costume party usually with a couples theme.

He brightened up the room; he never met a stranger regardless of socioeconomic status or what they looked like; he believed the best about all people. He wasn’t picky about which church so long as it taught the truth. Weekly church was important.

He is preceded in death by his parents mentioned earlier and brother John Eddie Cornelson, Jr and sister Libby Fails Cornelson

He is survived by Wonna Elam Cornelson, wife and two grown children, Anita and G. Ken Cornelson, Jr. of Pratt, Kansas, and one grown stepson, Jerimy Elam, of Oklahoma City and his daughter, MaKayla Fikes.

He is also survived by his brother Mike Fountain and sister Becky Jordan both of Alabama.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the church mentioned below as a thank-you in their preparing the reception meal.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageSouth.com for the Cornelson family.