Lawrence Cornelius

Lawrence Eugene Cornelius, passed from this life Thursday, August 26, 2021, he was the last of nine children born to the late Samuel Cornelius and Rosalie Lobello.  He was born on May 8, 1939 in Kansas City, Kansas.
Larry moved to Nevada, MO with his mother and Step-Father, Oliver Hayden, and graduated from Nevada High School.  He attended Southwest MO State University in Springfield, MO, majoring in Music Education.  Music would be his passion for the rest of his life.

Larry enlisted in the US Air Force in 1961 and became a member of the USAF Band at McGuire AFB in New Jersey.  He served 4 years active and 2 years inactive.  He loved his time in the military and that he was able to pursue his music.

After his service, he moved to Kansas City, MO and began a 32-year career in the retail industry.
He met his wife, had children, moved to 10 different states, with 23 total moves during this period of his journey.  He was an active church member, and a member of civic organizations, and parent school organizations at each move.

After his children were grown, he decided to settle in St Louis, MO and change career paths.  He went to work for the State of Missouri at Belfountain Rehabilitation Center.  He was a procurement officer for the dietary dept.  He enjoyed the work and made many friends.  He retired from the State in 2002.
But he soon was bored with retirement, and even tho he had been working part-time for an Inventory Crew, he decided to take a job with the American Legion as a Service Officer.  It gave him a chance to help fellow Veterans to obtain their Benefits.  He retired at age 75 due to ill health.  He always said he wished he had found this job earlier!

Larry is survived by his wife of 55 years-Jerilyn Ellis Cornelius
They had three children:  Douglas Cornelius, Beth Cornelius, and Tori Prasad (Tom) Painter.
Five Grandchildren:  Tia Cornelius, Michael Cornelius, Taylor Cornelius, Noah Prasad, and Asha Prasad.
Three Great Grandchildren:  JaVon Walker, DaNay Harris, and Nicholas Harris.
And numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by 8 siblings:  Samuel Cornelius, Marie Ewing, Pearl Ciko, Genevieve Spini, Virginia Stinnett, Lorraine Mellon, Charles Lee Cornelius, and Lucy Camerillo.

Larry was an active member of St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church.  He was a proud member of the choir, a Lector, and Eucharist Minister.  He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and a past Grand Knight.   He was also a member of the American Legion Post #191 in Mount Airy MD.

Larry and his wife moved to Monrovia, MD to be with his daughter and grandchildren five years ago.  He loved the East Coast from his Military Days, and had always wanted to move here.  He was happy to spend his last days with his family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 from 6-8PM at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 4103 Prices Distillery Rd, Ijamsville, MD 21754, at 9:30AM.  Father Patrick Carrion will be the celebrant.

Larry asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation be sent to help young Seminarians on the path to becoming a Priest-or to a charity of your choice.
Seminarian Education Fund c/o Rev. Steven Roth, Director of Vocations Archdiocese of Baltimore 320 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201.