Ivan E. Cornelius, 89, of Ipava died at 2:20 p.m. March 27, 2011, at Astoria Gardens and Rehab Center.Ivan E. Cornelius, 89, of Ipava died at 2:20 p.m. March 27, 2011, at Astoria Gardens and Rehab Center.
He was born Aug. 14, 1912, in Chesterfield, a son of Orson Burke and Cora Holmes Cornelius. He married Sylvia Lauretta White on Jan. 9, 1937, in Springfield. She died May 28, 1984.
He also was preceded in death by three brothers, Dietz, Orval and Bert Cornelius; and one sister, Bessie Cornelius.
Surviving are two sons, Marion (and Phyllis) Cornelius of Industry and Gordon (and Cynthia) Cornelius of Hampton; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He worked for C and IM Railroad; Allis Chalmers during World War II; Illinois National Guard in Springfield; Pawnee and Ipava Elevators; Ipava FS, Inc.; and Allis Chalmers dealership in Lewistown.
He was a member of Ipava Fire Department where he served as fire chief for 25 years; Ipava United Presbyterian Church; Ipava Order of the Eastern Star #227 where he was Grand Patron; and Ipava Masonic Lodge where he was past grand master.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria with Reverend Danie deBeer officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, prior to the service at the memorial home. Burial will be in Ipava Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Ipava United Presbyterian Church or Ipava Fire Department.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus