Gordon B. “Gordy” Cornelius, 79, of Hampton died Jan. 11, 2023, at Illini Restorative Care Center in Silvis.Gordon B. “Gordy” Cornelius, 79, of Hampton died Jan. 11, 2023, at Illini Restorative Care Center in Silvis.
He was born Feb. 17, 1943, in Springfield, a son of Ivan and S. Lauretta White Cornelius. He married Cynthia “Cindy” Schreiner on June 18, 1966, in East Moline. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Beth (and Rich) Fontaine; one son, Jeff Cornelius and his wife; one brother, Marion (and Phyllis) Cornelius; and seven grandchildren.
He received his B.S., M.S. and Ed.S. from Western Illinois University. He started as a Mathematics Teacher at United Township High School, North Campus, from 1965-79, he then became the Assistant Principal from 1979-83, Associate Principal until 1985, Principal U.T.H.S South Campus 1985-97 and Assistant Superintendent/Principal U.T.H.S until his retirement in 2001.
He was a member of the Association for Supervision of Curriculum and Development, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Illinois Principals Association, National Staff Development Council, Phi Delta Kappa, Education League of Illinois, and River Valley Curriculum Association. He served as Past Chairman for the Youth Service Bureau, Past President for the Exchange Club of East Moline-Silvis, Past Chairman for the Hampton Methodist Church Administrative Council and Trustee Chairman, Past Chairman for the School Health Link Advisory Board, a Trustee for the School Health Link, East Moline Citizens Advisory Board, United Township High School Hall of Fame Board, United Way Allocation Committee, United Township High School Citizen Advisory Committee, United Township High School Booster Club and ALCOA Scholarship Committee.
He received the Illinois Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Recognition Award, Denny Jacobs Public Safety Service Award, Illinois Principals Association Black Hawk Division Herman Graves Service Award and the United Township High School/John Deere Harvester Special Recognition Award.
Funeral services were held Friday at Hampton Grace United Methodist Church. Burial was in Hampton Cemetery. Van Hoe Funeral Home in East Moline was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Hampton Grace Methodist Church, PO Box 128, Hampton, IL 61256 or the UTHS Foundation, 1275 Avenue of the Cities, East Moline, IL 61244.
Condolences may sent to www.vanhoe.com.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus