“Punk” Charles James Cornell
Big Rapids –“Punk” Charles James Cornell (Pops), 63, of Morley, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2009, at his residence.
He was born July 27, 1945, in Belding, the son of Charles E. and Estelle S. (Petersen) Cornell, and graduated from Morley-Stanwood High School in 1963.
Punk served his country with great honor in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.
Following his discharge, Punk returned to the area, and for 24 years worked for the Mecosta County Road Commission, retiring as foreman of the Morley Office. He was an active member of the community, and currently served as the Aetna Township Supervisor.
A man that once you met you never forget; could always find a silver lining around the darkest cloud. Enjoyed his life to the very fullest. Loved and honored his family with his whole heart and loved nature right to his soul. No one will ever forget his million-dollar laugh. He will always be in our hearts.
On September 26, 1970, he married Yvonne G. Ramsey who survives. Also surviving are son, Chad Cornell, and his children Devin, Audrey and Frannie; son, Matt and his wife Amy Cornell and their children Hannah and Hailey; daughter, Sara and husband Brian Sellers, and their children Mitchell, Cooper and Ethan of Blanchard; his mother Estelle of Morley; sisters, Connie (Roger) Gillette of Cedar Springs, Barbie Cornell of Morley; brother, Phil Cornell of Morley; sister-in-law, Tammy Bentley; and his extended brothers and sisters, Rose Holtzlander, Keith Knapp, Howard and Sharon Ramsey, Joe and Sandy Bott, Tom and Mary Lynn Bott, Ralph and Marva Ramsey, Clesson and Pat Ramsey, Rick and Bonnie Koehn, Debbie Edwards and Harry and Rhonda Ramsey. Punk was preceded in death by his father Charles, in-laws Howard and Lena Ramsey, brothers Bill Sias, Jim Sims, and Rex Edwards, and sisters Mable Sims, Donna Bott, Muriel Koehn, Ilene Knapp and Ellen Rasmussen.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 26, 2009, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Rev. Phil Bongard officiating. Punk’s family will greet friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-7 p.m., and prior to services on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for the V.F. W. may be left in care of the funeral home, or memorial contributions for the M.P.S. Society may be sent to www.mpssociety.org or .http://www.rainbowofheroeswalk.org/. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.
4 Responses to ““Punk” Charles James Cornell”
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It’s so hard to believe that Punk is gone. Our hearts are breaking. We loved him so much. Deer camp in the UP will never, ever be the same. He was a fantastic friend and an even better husband, father and grandfather. We will cherish all of our memories of him forever and ever.
Tony and Sue Snavley
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Punk, and want to let your entire family know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Pam Thurston-Goodfellow
Yvonne, Chad, Matt , Sara and Families:
Our hearts go out to all of you during this difficult time. You all are in our thoughts and prayer. We will sure miss Punk . He was a great guy and we will never ever forget him or that million dollar laugh. I will miss meeting him on the road and always having him wave, no matter what I drove he would always wave at me.
Love,
Toni Edgerly & Tom Johnson and Family
Yvonne, Chad, Matt, Sara & Family,
Our deepest condolences are sent your way. He was one of the nicest guys around!
Burt & Pam (Haugh) Stransky