Douglas F. Cornell

Douglas Floyd Cornell went to his eternal home with our Heavenly Father February 1, 2022, just shy of his 95th birthday. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan February 26, 1927, the oldest of 4 children. He was a World War II Veteran serving in the Army/Air Corps for two years. In the Air Corps he found his love for flying. He soloed in a Piper drag tail 1945 model. In 1980 he got his flying license in Phoenix, AZ. After being discharged he and his buddy travelled cross country and ended up in Sacramento, California where he went to work for SH Kress as a stocker. It was there that he met the love of his life, Audrey who passed away December 27, 2021. He went into a Managerial Training Program in Sacramento and excelled from there. He worked at many retail stores including Breuners Furniture Store, May Company, Thrifty Drugs, and Smitty’s. After his retirement in 1978 he owned several of his own businesses including Animal Kingdom Pet Store and ABC Christian Bookstore. He even went to work for Alhambra School District as a Detention Teacher for Special Ed kids. In 1980 Doug and Audrey became born again Christians. His favorite Bible verse was “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another” – Romans 13:8. In 1990 they both retired and spent the next 5 years travelling the US including Hawaii, a trip to the Holy Land, the Greek Isles and two cruises. Doug had the honor of being selected for Honor Flight Arizona in 2014. This program pays homage to our WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War Veterans by providing the support needed for them to complete a three-day journey of honor and remembrance to their memorials in Washington, D.C. His hobbies included flying Cherokee Pipers, fishing, golfing, bowling (he was a rock star at WII bowling) and volunteering. When he gave the prayer at the Senior Center, he always started it with “This is the day the Lord has made – Let us rejoice and be glad in it”. He is survived by his sister Ruth Metcalf, three children – Elaine (Frank) Micucci, Stevan (Diane) Cornell and Lori (David) Andresen, 4 grandchildren – Michelle (Jay) Van Allsburg, Jenna (Travis) Wodiske, Chad (Shaina) Andresen and Bethany (Yannick) Mets and 12 great grandchildren – Paisley, Payton, Kensie, Tenley, twins Tanner and Drew, Shelby, Emma, Hannah, Rachelle, Abby (in heaven), and Analeigh due in May. He was a sweet, sweet man who will be dearly missed. We will see you again in Heaven… Doug, Dad and affectionately forever known as our “Poppy”. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Cornell family.