Micheal L. Cornelius' Obituary
CORNELIUS, Micheal L., age 77, of Bellbrook and formerly of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Miami Valley Hospital.
Mike honorably served in the National Guard for six years. In addition, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska. He worked a combined 30 years for the government as an entomologist. He worked as a civilian for SAC (Strategic Air Command) in Nebraska for about 11 years and finished his government career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton after an additional 19 years, both as an entomologist. Following his government work, he worked as an inspector for NELMA, working alongside his brother for several additional years. He was always busy and worked several other jobs following his official retirement from NELMA. In addition, he was an active member of the Normandy United Methodist Church in Centerville, a member of the Bellbrook Sugarcreek Optimist Club, and a former member of the Kettering-Centerville Kiwanis Club. Mike also spent many hours volunteering for Hospice of Dayton, the St. Paul Food Pantry, and assisting with tax preparation for the elderly and others in need via VITA.
Jolly, loving, caring, giving, helpful, and compassionate, Mike was family-oriented and had a great sense of humor. A huge sports fan, Mike grew up in Nebraska and was a lifelong Cornhusker fan. Living in the Dayton area for his later years, he was an active member of the Miami Valley Huskers fan club. He also loved attending the Cincinnati Reds and Dayton Dragons games. In addition, he enjoyed men’s basketball games at Wright State University and women’s basketball at the University of Dayton. He had a tradition of meeting family for the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament each year. While traveling, it became common for Mike to attend professional baseball games in the city he was visiting to enjoy the vibe.
Mike and his wife owned a place at Indian Lake, which enabled Mike to enjoy one of his other favorite hobbies, fishing. He often fished from a boat but especially enjoyed meeting up with his brother to fish. They were involved in a fishing club for a while, which Mike thoroughly enjoyed. He also enjoyed attending shows at LaComedia and plays at WSU. He had a tradition of visiting family in Nebraska for Thanksgiving and summer reunions, especially when his kids were growing up. He was also known for sending postcards home to his kids while traveling for work and, in recent years, cards to his grandchildren. Among many things, he will be remembered for collecting Dayton Dragons and Nebraska memorabilia, ball hats, mugs with bugs displayed on them, and bobbleheads.
His son, Erik Cornelius, and his parents, Ford and Louise Cornelius, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Misty; two daughters, Raven Cornelius (Camdon Cady) and Andrea (Michael) Sierra; three grandchildren, Mikayla, Logan, and Camila; and three brothers, Dennis Cornelius, Randall Cornelius, and Sidney (Joan) Cornelius.
The family will receive friends from 10 AM - 11 AM on Saturday, May 4, at the Normandy United Methodist Church in Centerville. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 11 AM on Saturday at the Normandy United Methodist Church. Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook is serving the family. If desired, contributions may be made to Normandy United Methodist Church, Hospice of Dayton, or the American Cancer Society. Condolences at www.connerandkoch.com.
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