Charles Gene “Chuck” Cornelison was born April 14, 1971 in Lebanon to Charles and Donna Keen Cornelison. He passed away Friday, May 5, 2023 in West Plains at the age of 52 years and 14 days.
Chuck lived his life to the fullest. He was fortunate to be born with a best friend, his twin brother Chet. All through life, Chuck sought to take the first friend God gave him and add to the ranks. With an inability to sit still for very long, those close to Chuck would quickly learn that they had to be willing for an adventure at any turn, whether that be a relaxing trip or a weekend of concerts.
In May of 1992, Chuck married the love of his life, Mary Ann Ellis. Chuck worked diligently to make a life for his family that was full of love. He enjoyed performing magic tricks for kids, family vacations, and any chance to spend time outside hunting, fishing, or riding in a boat. Chuck also enjoyed football, and was an avid Chiefs and Sooners fan.
Chuck’s all-in attitude spread into his work life as well. After graduating from Southwest Missouri State University, he spent 20 years working for Walmart in management. He would later move to work as a State Farm Insurance Agent. On November 19, 2021, Chuck graduated from Oklahoma Christian University with his Master’s Degree, earning a 4.0 GPA and entrance into the prestigious Delta Mu Delta academic fraternity.
Chuck loved the Lord. He spent his Sunday mornings at Life Church in Mustang, Okla,, serving in the children’s ministry. Chuck used his natural energy to spread his love of the Lord to those around him, and sought to build a new generation of people with that same love in their hearts.
Through Chuck’s faith, his friends, and his natural energy, after being diagnosed with stage four cancer, he was able to call himself a survivor after a long battle.
Chuck’s love for life and people was contagious. He will be deeply missed by those who were blessed to call him their husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; two sons; Charles Creighton Cornelison of Mustang, Okla. and Hunter Cornelison of Oklahoma City, Okla.; two daughters; Peyton Jackson and husband Conner of Mustang, Okla. and Madison Cornelison of St. Louis; his mother; Donna Cornelison of Lebanon; his siblings; Chester Dean “Chet” Cornelison and wife Amy of Springfield; Jaquetta Sharp and husband Joe of Lebanon; Dianna Cornelison of Lebanon, and Yolanda Long and husband Mark of Lebanon; his grandchildren; Cole Jackson, Beckham Jackson, Ellisyn Jackson, and Charles Liam Cornelison, his father-in-law Davis Ellis, two brothers-in-law; Brook Ellis and wife Jessica of Bentonville, Ark. and Brian Ellis and wife Jana of Chester, Va.; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Dean Cornelison, his mother-in-law; Sharon Ellis, and his sister-in-law; Toni Ellis.
Services for Chuck Cornelison will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 12, 2023 at Community Baptist Church in Lebanon. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5 - 7 p.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13 at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City, Okla. A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society and donations may be made through the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon. For more information or to visit the website go to www.holmanhowe.com.
