Obit of Cornelius, David Wynn - Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 07 Feb 2010 Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ===================================================================== ::NOT LISTED Cornelius, David Wynn David Wynn Cornelius Sunrise: April 18, 1956 Sunset: May 20, 2007 David Wynn Cornelius was born on April 18, 1956, at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. He was born 11 minutes ahead of his unexpected twin sister, Donna, much to the surprise and delight of his parents, Frank and Euwela (Connie) Cornelius. The twins shared a true special twin- ship, despite protestations to the contrary. David lived his life with a happiness and sense of joy and humor that was boundless. He graduated from Santa Rita High School in 1974. He then fulfilled his military duty by following in his father's footsteps and enlisting in the Air Force. David had several high points during his military tour of duty. He earned his pilot's license; found a friend and love in an Afghan puppy he named Siko that he toted around Europe and then brought home; and, despite an absolute dislike of cheese, was able to fully enjoy Italian cuisine - with some adaptations. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, David found his true calling - law enforcement. He worked ten years for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) as a highway patrolman from Bullhead City to Kingman to Pima County. After DPS he continued in law enforcement through jobs with private security firms in California, including his own private detective agency there, and, upon returning to Arizona, working security with grocery chain stores, and finally, working security with the Amphitheater School District. Although David was noted for sharing stories about the foibles of various miscreants, there was one certainty - that he loved the law and valued the safety of all citizens. He was fortunate to have had two children. AJ (Anthony Jamil) who, unfortunately and heart-breakingly, predeceased him. David treasured their camping trips together and the quality time they shared. Dionna Marie, who was always reflected with love in her father's eyes, was a source of pride to him. David is survived by his parents, Frank and Euwela Cornelius, Oro Valley; daughter Dionna Marie, Tucson; sister Cheryl Cornelius-Ochs (Dr. Leonard Ochs), Oklahoma; brother Harold Cornelius (Valerie Cornelius), California; sister Alecia Cornelius, California; twin Donna Cornelius, Tucson; sister Cathryn Dawsey, Tucson; and nieces, Alexis, Keisha, Ginneh, Shayna, Heather, and Hillary; and grand-niece and nephew Rayven Evans and Riley Camron Williams of Tucson. David was a kind and avid animal lover. There wasn't a "fur-face," that he did not like. He enjoyed the fruits that life had to offer - his family, friends, pets, good food and wine - and he accepted the bad courageously, yet stoically. He also enjoyed a good "debate" as those who truly knew him understood. There will not be a moment in time that he will not be missed. David Wynn Cornelius will forever reside in our hearts, minds, and souls. Please watch us closely from Heaven - Son, Brother, Dad, Uncle and Friend. A memorial Mass in his honor will be held Saturday, May 26, 2007, at 12:00 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 8650 N. Shannon Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arizona Highway Patrolmen's Association, P.O. Box 6253, Phoenix, Arizona, 85005. Published in the Tucson on 5/24/2007. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html