David Cornelius, 77, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away on Monday, December 1, 2014 at Gulf Healthcare Center in Port Arthur. He was born on August 18, 1937 in Cornwall, England to the late Ernest Cornelius and Clara Jane.
David served honorably in the British Army as a Warrant Class 1 Officer for 22 years. After retiring from the service, he moved with his wife and daughter to Port Arthur to be with his sister, Vera and brother-in-law, Gordon. He attended church regularly at the United Methodist Temple in Port Arthur, formally of Lakeview Methodist, where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He served in the Metro Lions Club where he managed the Eye Glass Club.
David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sadie Cornelius of Port Arthur; and daughter, Erica Chauvin and husband, Phil of Bridge City. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Tom, Ken, John, and Jim; sisters, Olive, Vera, and Winnie.
Funeral services will be held at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 5:00 p.m., with Rev. Jeff Hastings officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family would like to personally thank all the staff in the ICU at Christus-St. Mary’s Hospital for all their help and support. Also, a special thanks to the staff on Hall 5 Rehab at Gulf Healthcare Center in Port Arthur.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wesley Sunday School Class at United Methodist Temple in Port Arthur.