Verne W. Cornils, Jr.

Verne Walker Cornils Jr. also known to his family as "Cory," passed away at the age of 70 in Las Vegas Nevada, on September 24th, 2013.

Verne was born to the late Marjorie Myrne Mattson Cornils and Verne Walker Cornils Sr. on June 15th, 1943, in Carlisle Pennsylvania. After High School, Verne attended Brigham Young University Provo, where he was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was baptized into the church on June 30, 1965 in Honolulu Hawaii. It was here he met his wife of 28 years, Carmen LaRene Allred. They were married in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple on June 17th, 1966. After graduating from the United States Army Aviation School Element in 1968, Verne served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 as a Medical Transport helicopter pilot. He was a Chief Warrant Officer, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, as well as the Army Commendation Medal. He was honored for safely loading patients with casualties, even amid hostile enemy fire directly on his helicopter. He also evacuated 72 patients to a civilian hospital in time for treatment. After an honorable release from the Army, Verne graduated from Weber State College in 1974, with a Bachelor Degree in Business Management.

In 1977, Verne and Carmen moved their young family to Hawaii. Here he worked as a business manager and coordinator for HMSA, in the medical insurance profession. In 1981, Verne was called to serve as Bishop of the Waialua Ward. The ward was benefited greatly by his energy and enthusiasm, where he helped organize church programs, worked with the youth, and contributed to the building of an extension to the church building. The membership in the ward had more than doubled during his time of service, and to this day, people still remember Bishop Cornils and the good that he did for the Waialua Ward. After the births of their fourth and fifth daughters, the whole family moved to Littleton, Colorado in 1990.

Verne is survived by his former wife, Carmen Cornils, and five daughters, Heidi Hicks, Jennifer Justus, Johnna O'Brien, Heather Whitley, and Rachel Cornils. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jordan, Conner, Brennan and Alexandra Hicks; Austinn and Ryker O'Brien; Troy Justus; and Emry Whitley. In addition are his sister Bonnie Clark; nephews Timothy and Brian Clark; cousin Corrine Muller and numerous other cousins.

Verne was a very talented singer, and in the younger years of his life, enjoyed performing in plays, and singing at various church services. He had an enthusiasm for life, and enjoyed joking around, and conversing with people. He was a kind and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who always tried to teach his children and grandchildren to be good people, to love the scriptures, and to love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was greatly loved by his family and friends, and will be missed. To quote Anne Geddes, "Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad." Our dad was special, and he always made us feel special as well. We will be forever grateful to him for that.

Verne will be buried on October 7, 2013 in the Ft. Logan National Cemetery, with honors given by the US Army.