More detail on this person: David Lee Cornelius, 80, passed away on May 16th, 2024, at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 13th, 1943, in Muskogee, Oklahoma to his father, Lee Cornelius, and mother, Jane Mundy. At the age of 12, his mother Jane remarried to Ed Vinton who became another father figure to David. Through this blended family, David grew up with many siblings. He was raised primarily in Bryan, Texas, where he attended Allen Academy and met his first wife, Eunice Burkhalter. They married in 1962 and had two children, David and Denisa. David's life was marked by service and sacrifice. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin in 1961, he bravely served his country, undertaking three tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. Throughout his military career, he formed enduring friendships and was an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association. His group of cavalry pilots became like brothers to him. They refer to David as "Corney" and describe him as the best helicopter pilot they have ever seen. He was admired for his bravery and fearlessness when flying. He was involved in 60 different campaigns and awarded many different decorations including Silver Stars, 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 7 Bronze Service Stars, 2 Purple Hearts, Air Medal with Valor, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, amongst many others. In 1973, David reunited with his former high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Lillian Cornelius, with whom he shared 51 years of cherished marriage. Together, they raised a family and traversed the country, settling in various locations including Colorado Springs where he graduated from University of Colorado; Seattle and Richland, Washington; Racine, Wisconsin; and Houston, Texas. David's dedication and work ethic were unwavering, leading him to retire in 2018 from a long career as a CPA with a focus on corporate tax. David's commitment extended beyond his military and professional endeavors; he was a devout Catholic, actively involved in his church community. He served as a sacristan at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, participated in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), and was a valued member of the Men's Club and Knights of Columbus. David was predeceased by his mother, Jane Vinton; father, Lee Cornelius and step father Ed Vinton. David will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his beloved wife, Lillian Cornelius; his children, David Cornelius, Denisa Bradbury, and Devin Packer; his grandchildren, Dustin, Cale, Grayson, Gage, Audrey, and Aaryn; his siblings, Carol Jean Collier, Pat McEuen, Terry Cornelius, Jerry Cornelius, Pam Cornelius, Kay Jennings, and Jerry Vinton; and a host of other relatives and friends. David's legacy of courage, devotion, and service will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A rosary in honor of David will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman St, Houston, TX 77018. A funeral mass in honor of David will occur Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 3600 Brinkman St, Houston, TX 77018. A committal service will take place Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542.
Burial information: Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, TX
This information was last updated 12/28/2024
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Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025
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