Darrel Keith Cornelius, 77, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Wesley Woodlawn. He was born on October 18, 1946 in Thomas, Oklahoma to Keith Dare and Ruth Ella (Stambaugh) Cornelius. Darrel married Jacqueline (White) Cornelius on December 20, 1969 in Tyrone, Oklahoma. They were married for 54 years.
Darrel graduated from Arapaho High School in 1964. He went to Oklahoma State Institute of Technology, Okmulge. He served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief for the United States Army. He worked as a 2nd Lieutenant for Kansas Highway Patrol. He was a member of VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed going shooting, woodworking, coin collecting, fishing, attending ball games and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie of Pratt; children, Melisa Allen of Pratt, Roger Cornelius of Park City and Daren Cornelius of Manhattan; sisters, Linda Campbell of Pratt, Barbara (Marvin) Ramsey of Grove, Oklahoma, Karen (Russ) Eck of Pratt and Janie (Dave) Bishop of Pratt; granddaughters, Chere (Johnathan) Nash of Park City and Brandi (BJ) Dean of Pratt; and great-grandchildren, Madalyn, Rylan, Penley and Jolie.
Darrel is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steven Cornelius.
Cremation has taken place. A Graveside Memorial Service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Independence Cemetery, Custer City, Oklahoma.
Memorials may be made to Lemon Park Lights in care of Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt.