Donald John Cornwell, 67 of Burlington, died at 9:23 a.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2001 at University Hospitals in Iowa City.
He was born in Mount Union, Iowa. Son of Orval Francis and Alma Gertrude Rickey Cornwell. Don was a graduate of Burlington High School in 1953 and served as class treasurer. Where he meet, married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Elane Babb. They were married, November 29, 1953 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Burlington. Joyce does not remember him asking, they just went and got the ring and started planning the Wedding.
He received an associate's degree from Miami-Dade Community College and a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University.
Don retired from the United States Navy after 28 years, serving as a Chief Storekeeper. He also worked for Diamond Vogel Paint for 15 years. Growing up, Don and his brothers, Earl and Richard did a lot of different jobs, to bring in money for their family. One was cleaning the floor of the theatre in Winfield, after the movie had ended. Their pay was what they found.
Don was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and was secretary of Aid Association for Lutherans. He served the Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts.
Survivors include his wife, one son, two daughters, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Two brothers, Earl Cornwell of Bentonville, Ark.: Richard Cornwell of Grove, Okla. and two sisters, both of Burlington: nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents
There will be no visitation. His body has been cremated.
The committal service for Mr. Cornwell was at 10 a.m., Saturday August 4, 2001, in Carman Cemetery, Illinois with Pastor Carl Engstrom officiating.
A memorial has been established for the Polycycstic Kidney Foundation