R.E. Cornelius

In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth and a tough guy by the name of R.E. Cornelius Sr. R.E. was born on August 11, 1931 in Hampton, Arkansas. As a young teen, he had already begun demonstrating his independent spirit. Along with his older brother’s, he left his humble homestead which by then was in Hardin, Montana to pursue much grander fields of gold and green. Although he left the Montana farm as a child, the farm never left him. Eventually, our bodies will fail all of us and R.E. was no exception to this reality. With an ailing body, he continued to demonstrate to all those around him just what the word “tough” really means. R.E.’s family was by his side throughout his demise even though he denied needing help. Was he stubborn…just a little! He continued to be a pillar of strength even in pain and not once, did he acknowledge his struggle. On his terms, and with his angels awaiting his lead, R.E’s heavenly journey began on November 8th, 2013. With his passing, his family and loved ones can rejoice knowing that his body is renewed and find complete comfort knowing he has met his maker, and is once again, reunited with those who have passed before him. Born to the parent’s of William Nelson Cornelius and Delora Pauline (Clause) Cornelius, he was the baby boy of three older brother’s and the big brother to their one baby sister. Today, R.E. Sr. is survived by all of his siblings (except for his half brother, Bob). In order according to birth, his siblings are: Bob Cornelius (deceased), Charles Cornelius and wife Sam, Norman (Hap) Cornelius and wife Ruby and little sister, Faye Cornelius Ives and husband Kip (deceased). These siblings enjoyed many hootenannies together during their “wild” days and shared their gift of music which was passed on to all the Cornelius kids and cousins. Along with his brother’s, R.E. was a Navy man and proudly served his country from 1948 to 1952. As the story goes, he admired a beautiful blond whose picture adorned his Navy buddy’s locker. Every time that locker was open, there she was, staring right at R.E.! He didn’t care much for that buddy and figured this beautiful blond deserved better. So, considering it an opportunity and being on shore leave in San Francisco, he borrowed her picture and address. He went knocking on her door in Palo Alto California where he then stole her heart. This beauty was JoAnne Beverly Schmidt. On March 9th, 1952, they were married and soon after relocated to the Yakima Valley to once again join forces with his family. By this time, R.E. and JoAnne had two little girls and no plans to stop the expansion. R.E. worked numerous jobs but continued to yearn for his own piece of land and to one day be his own boss. In 1961 that dream came true. R.E. and JoAnne purchased a farm west of Wiley City and ultimately raised their growing family on that homestead known as Cornelius Ranches. To R.E., family and farming were his life. He recently said, “I got to live my life the way I wanted to and it don’t get much better than that.” A man of few regrets, he was most content at home looking out amongst his expansive farm. R.E. and JoAnne had five children who all grew up on the Ranch. If there was one thing R.E. Sr. enforced upon his children it was “ work first and then play… if there’s time.” His actions spoke louder than words and to his children and wife, he was the hardest worker they ever knew. In 1968, R.E. began serving a 40 year volunteer career as a board member in soil and water conservation with the Ahtanum/Moxee Conservation District. In 1972 all local districts consolidated and became the North Yakima Conservation District (NYCD), where he was elected the Chairman of the Board by his peers and served in that capacity until his 2008 retirement. During his 40 years of service, R.E. was elected twice to serve as President of the Washington Assoc. of Conservation Districts from 1979-1982, where he led the legislative fight for more local conservation money. These days were the highlight of his farming career and the days when he met and maintained many special friendships with other local farmers. R.E. Sr. is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and siblings. His children and their families include: Daughter - Deby Gunter and her husband Marion (Mark)their two sons Marcus and his children, Cienna and Jaden; and Matthew and wife Cassie and their children, Ashlyn and Cooper, all of Yakima. Daughter – Dorene Bernard and her husband Neal, from Raleigh N.C. and Dorene’s son Nicolas Suarez and his wife Tatiana from Lakeland, Florida. Daughter – Diane Brulotte and her husband Donny and Dianes’ children, Shawna Stewart Reyes and her husband Angel, their daughter Mia and Diane’s son, Justin Stewart all of Yakima. Daughter – Dolores White and her husband Kevin from Yakima and their sons, K.C. from Olympia and Colby from Seattle. Son – R.E. Cornelius Jr. and his wife, Melanie and their two sons, Trace and Alex of Yakima. He is also survived by his Brother-in-law George Nathan of Mt. View, California. R.E. Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, William Cornelius and Delora Pauline Cornelius Mack. his wife of 49 years, JoAnne Cornelius, his half-brother Bob Cornelius, his Nephew, Happy Cornelius and his brother-in-Law, Kip Ives. A celebration of his life will be held at Wiley Union Church on Saturday, November 16th at 1 pm with a dinner immediately following provided by the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Wiley Union Church / Building Fund, in memory of R.E. Cornelius Sr. Valley Hill’s Funeral Home will be entrusted with all arrangements. A special thank you goes out to Cottage in the Meadow and the Hospice care provided and Pastor Terry Dinsmore for his many visits and words of comfort and support. Share your memories of R.E. online at www.valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of R.E. Cornelius, please visit our flower store.