Robert "Bob" Cornelius

Robert “Bob” Cornelius, 85 of Ocean Springs, MS entered in to his eternal rest at home surrounded by family, on Monday, September 26, 2016. He was born October 8, 1930 in Hardburly, Kentucky. He graduated from Pleasant View High School in Williamsburg, KY. He had been a resident of Ocean Springs since 1965. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs, MS. Robert was met in heaven by his parents, Gaylor and Clara Cornelius; two brothers, Roy Cornelius and Harry Willard Cornelius and a sister, Olive Marie Detweiler. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Coyle, and youngest daughter, Susan Harris Pearce. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Mary Amelia Cornelius; three daughters, Mary E. (Charles) Hardy, and Claire M. Robinson both of Ocean Springs, MS and Carole J. Ziv of D’Iberville, MS. He is survived by five grandchildren, Joshua (Christi) Hardy of Madison, MS, Stephanie Dawson of Biloxi, MS, Michelle (Rick) Thomas of D’Iberville, Christina Dawson of Biloxi and Jonathan Robinson of Ocean Springs, MS, in addition to three great grand daughters, three great grandsons and many nieces and nephews. Robert was a Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1982 after 31 years of active duty. He joined the Air Force in 1951 and went through basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas. He remained there following training and became a Medical Corpsman. After completion of three years at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, he went to Japan where he received training as an independent duty technician and paratrooper. Upon return from Japan, he was stationed at Shepard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX. While there, he attended Trinity University and also became a thirty-second degree Mason. He was transferred to Keesler AFB in 1965 where he was in charge of the Cardio-Pulmonary Clinic at the Medical Center. After promotion to Chief Master Sergeant in 1975, he was appointed the Superintendent of the Department of Medicine and later became the Superintendent of Hospital Services. In 1979, he was selected to be the Senior Enlisted Advisor by the base commander. He remained in that position (now known as “Command Chief ”) until his retirement. He proudly served his country and frequently said, “I would go back in a minute if I could”. During his Air Force career he received many awards and medals for his outstanding service and leadership which included: Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Humanitarian Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with six Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Good Conduct Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Humane Action Medal for being part of the “Homecoming Team” at Keesler AFB when POWs and servicemen returned from Vietnam in 1974-75. He was given “The Keesler Medallion” at his retirement parade in 1982. He was also a lifetime member of the AF Sergeants Association, Top Three Enlisted Association, the American Legion, and a supporter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Paralyzed Veterans of America associations. Following his retirement, Robert began a custom cabinet making business in Ocean Springs, MS which he ran for 22 years before retiring from that in 2004 due to declining health. Robert had a lifelong interest in golf and had been an avid golfer on the Gulf Coast since 1965. He was a member of Gulf Hills Golf Club in Ocean Springs, MS. He also enjoyed fishing and reading as well as watching the military and history channels. He played cards with the same group of friends for over 30 years. Robert was also an animal lover and believed in the spay/neuter program of our local humane society. Robert was a loving husband, father, grand-father, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed by his beloved and dedicated wife, Mary, his daughters and their families, his many supportive friends and his devoted and beloved doggie, Maddy. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs, 921 Ocean Ave. Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or to your local Humane Society. Funeral Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs, 921 Ocean Ave. Ocean Springs, MS 39564 on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11:00 am with Reverend Scott Castleman officiating. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until service time. Interment will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.