A service for Jack Walter Cornell, 81, a Yerington resident, will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Yerington. A gathering at the church will follow the service.
Mr. Cornell died July 3, 2000 at South Lyon Medical Center. He was born Nov. 25, 1918, in Manhattan to John Henry and Nellie Goldbach Cornell.
He was a second generation Nevadan, growing up in the Manhattan/Belmont area where he worked with his parents and brothers in the ranching and hard-rock mining business.
He married Evelyn Wax on July 23, 1942.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a technical sergeant in the 457th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, receiving a Bronze Star. Upon discharge, he returned to the Manhattan area where he resumed ranching and mining.
Mr. Cornell worked for Grulli Motors in Yerington as a body and fender man and owned the local Texaco gas station from 1967-71. In 1972, he and his wife moved to Boulder City to work for the State of Nevada as cottage parents for children in foster care. After retiring, they moved to Carson City and then returned to Yerington.
He was past-president of the United Mine Workers Union and an an active member in the Elks Club, Carson Sertoma and Eagles. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Mason Valley County Club. He was also a member of Trinity Evangelical Free Church.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Gene of Reno and Robert "Bob" of Gabbs.
Among his survivors are his wife Evelyn; daughter Susan Wolff of Beaufort, S.C.; son Tom of Yerington; and grandchildren Sean and Eric Wolff and Adrianne and Allyson Cornell.
Cremation will be at Freitas/Rupracht Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Evangelical Free Church, P.O. Box 720, Yerington 89447.
