Morris R. Cornelius

Morris R. Cornelius, 91, of Odon, Indiana went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday morning, June 7, 2021. Morris was born in Daviess County, Indiana on September 15, 1929, to Oscar and Gladys (Edwards) Cornelius.  He was married to Alta Grace (Malone, Roark) Cornelius on December 6, 2011, and she survives.

Morris was a 1947 graduate of Epsom High School.  He was a respected farmer in the area, as well as a Pioneer Seed Sales Representative for 47 years, retiring in 2005.  Morris was a member of Loogootee Christian Church, NRA and ATA.  He was also a member of Gideon’s International and spent many years spreading the Gospel of Jesus by speaking in churches and delivering bibles to the Amish children, schools and prisons. 

After retirement, Morris found love for the game of golf, as well as a passion for landscaping his beautiful flower gardens.  Morris was an avid trap shooter, beginning his love for the sport at the Bogard Gun Club. He participated in competitions in several states, winning trophies in Michigan, the Grand American in Illinois, and the Indiana State Shoot. He was an active member at the Silver Dollar Gun Club in Odessa, Florida where he had many friends who became family to him. 

Family left to cherish the memory of Morris includes: his wife, Gracie Cornelius; his sons, Mike (Anna) Cornelius of Plainville, Mark (Ginny) Cornelius of Elnora, and Jeff (Cindy) Cornelius of Elberfeld.  Surviving grandchildren include Amy (the late Jake) Miller, Alan (Beanie) Cornelius, Jason (Michele) Cornelius, Mandy (John) Britton, Matthew (Kasey) Cornelius, and Jessica Bowman.  Also surviving are sixteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Morris leaves one surviving brother, Norman (Cheryl) Cornelius. 

Morris was preceded in death by: his parents, his first wife of 63 years, Monna Dee (Woodruff) Cornelius; his sisters, Modene Fyffe, Marilyn Wade, and Shirley Moody; his brothers, Lloyd Cornelius and Ray Cornelius. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at First Christian Church in Odon with Pastor and loving friend, Greg Steere and Ed Frost officiating.  Morris will be laid to rest in Elnora Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 PM until 8 PM on Wednesday and from 9 AM until 11 AM on Thursday at the church.  

The family has requested that memorial contributions for Morris to be made to Gideon’s International or Via Quest Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the church.

The Cornelius family has entrusted all arrangements to the Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Online condolences may be sent to www.mengfuneralhome.com.