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Harold Edward Cornwell, age 88, of Buena Vista passed unexpectedly on Aug. 22, 2023.
He was born to Albert Gallatin and Elsie Marie Cornwell in Wayne County, W.Va., in 1934, the second oldest of seven siblings. After middle school, he worked on the local dairy farms to help support the family. At the age of 18, in 1952, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served as a military police officer.
During his time with the USMC, he met the love of his life, Caroleen Faye Chittum, and the two were married on Nov. 11, 1954.
He was a skillful farmer and carpenter, tougher than nails with a quick wit, and never met a stranger. He leaves a legacy of hard work, pride, and love in the family left behind, and he will be sorely missed.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Caroleen Cornwell; his daughter, Donna Faye Cornwell; his brothers, Albert Douglas Cornwell, John David Cornwell, Billy Jack Cornwell (Zyta) and James Franklin Cornwell; and his sister, Joyce “Joker” Cornwell Dixon.
He is survived by his sister, Virginia Cornwell Jefferson; his children, Kathy Cornwell Corbin (Denny), Steven Cornwell, Harold Ray Cornwell, Tracy Cornwell, Robert Cornwell (Wilma); his grandchildren, Kelly Nipper (David), Perry Cornwell, Sarah Cornwell Martin (Timothy), Haley Cornwell Showalter (Travis), Colton Cornwell, Joshua Cornwell, Jeffrey Reynolds (Jessica) and Jason Reynolds; and 11 precious great-grandchildren who he was very proud of and loved with all his heart.
“Your watch here has ended; we’ll take it from here. Report for duty on the streets of Heaven. Semper Fi.”
The funeral was conducted on Friday, Aug. 25, at Harrison Funeral Home in Lexington by Pastor David Hanks. A graveside service followed at Green Hill Cemetery in Buena Vista. N-G
