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John Wesley Cornelsen Sr.

January 21, 1944 - March 22, 2015

John Wesley Cornelsen Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by all of his children and devoted wife on the afternoon of Sunday, March 22, 2015. John was 71 years of age.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Biggers Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

John was born in Houston on January 21, 1944, to Oliver A. Cornelsen and his loving wife, Albina Brumek Cornelsen.

John was a gifted mathematician and draftsman. He thrived and was grateful for the 20-plus years in which he worked in the engineering business, especially enjoying his time at Carter-Burgess on Macon Street. John eventually left the field in order to serve his previous clients through his namesake land maintenance company of which he served as president and CEO. John enjoyed and deeply valued the multitude of friendships and relationships formed through his work.

John was also known as “Bro. John” to the many people with whom he worshipped. To know him, was to know the God he worshiped and the Savior he served. John’s love of the Lord was reflected in his love of Southern gospel music to which he sang.

Adding to the list of bountiful gifts, John loved to play the piano and accordion and did so solely by ear. One could not separate John, his music and his desire to worship the Lord. He had a gift and this gift touched many lives.

He made a difference.

John was preceded in death by his parents. His father, Oliver, worked at General Dynamics until his passing in 1967. His mother, Albina, was ordained with the Assemblies of God. Their love of God was clearly evident in the life of their beloved son.

John is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Clounch of Jeffersonville, Indiana, and her four children, Tim, Rebekah, Philip and Anna Joy, as well as her numerous grandchildren.

John is also survived by his lovingly committed wife, Lana Mann Cornelsen, formerly of San Antonio. Though they were only 17 and 23 when they married 1967, the joining of these souls continually pulled them together and their commitment was renewed in 1981.

John is also survived by his four children and his nine grandchildren, John W. Cornelsen Jr. of North Richland Hills and his three daughters, Chelsea, Michaela and MaKenzie, Tabitha Young of Greenwich, Connecticut, and her two sons, Ensign Vincent Young and Grant Cornelsen Young, Rachel Evans and husband, Brian, of Fort Worth, and their children, Connor Evans and Madison Evans, and Shalom Cornelsen and her two children, Brianna Cornelsen and Cameron Houston-Cornelsen.

Though only hours have passed, our father and our mother’s husband is profoundly missed.

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John Wesley Cornelsen Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by all of his children and devoted wife on the afternoon of Sunday, March 22, 2015. John was 71 years of age. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Biggers Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6Continue Reading

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Norman warner left a message on March 24, 2015:
Bro. John made a big difference in my life .when we moved to ft.worth he took me under his wing and gave me work . But most important he help me to know God we went to a Oklahoma meeting together and prayed most of the way that God would give me that Sweet gift of the H. G. Which God did the first song that was sung there. RIP my friend and Dear Brother. Will see you soon.
Bryan & Christi Williams left a message on March 27, 2015:
Our prayers and condolences are with Bro. & Sis. Cornelsen and all the family .
Jennifer and Dawson Martin left a message on March 25, 2015:
My heart was heavy on hearing of John's passing. May God wrap his arms around your precious family & give you special comfort and peace. My memories revolve around his service & commitment to staff and students at Staples Elementary. He was a wonderful man & will be missed dearly.
Shirley "Harris" Cabler left a message on March 24, 2015:
I just want to say you guys left one thing out. He was the Youth Director of the northside Gospel Assembly. He did the job as a single young man. He was great! We had a large group of youth. I can say with some of us he had his hands full. Proud to have known him all these years. Glad to have called him friend. My church and family are praying you all can find peace. God said well done my good and faithful servant.
Susan Roberts left a message on March 24, 2015:
Center (John, Jr, to those of you who do not know his nickname), I am praying for your siblings, your mommy, and you. I know all too well what the loss of a parent feels like, and I am so, so saddened that you are facing this loss. It is reassuring that your sweet daddy was a man of faith, and he is now united with Christ, and hanging out with my parents! Love you, Susan
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
David and Sandra Ashworth left a message on March 24, 2015:
A warm, smiling, and generous-hearted man. We will miss your friendship, fellowship, music and singing, and your love of God's people.
Sheryl Wooten and Abel left a message on March 24, 2015:
think of him fondly singing and preaching may God give rest and peace to family
William and Linda Fleming left a message on March 24, 2015:
We have very fond memories of Bro. John. He stayed in our home in Alton, IL. one time during Godfrey Thanksgiving meeting. Our son was only 8 months old, very sick with asthma, and he prayed for him. He also sent our John a $2 bill for Christmas that yr. He was a wonderful Godly man and our hearts go out to the family. Know you all are in our prayers. God Bless you all. Bill, Linda and John Fleming.
Melburn & Bernice Farmer left a message on March 24, 2015:
Our prayers are with the family. We knew Bro. John and Sis. Lana many years ago and found them both to be precious Saints of God. We cherish our memories and know he will be missed greatly.
Lori parrilla left a message on March 24, 2015:
what a lovely man that I am so sorry I did not meet here on earth. But will one day. Love
Robert Hernandez left a message on March 24, 2015:
My condolences to the family. My brothers Johnny, Artie, and I met John Cornelsen back in the late 70's. We always admired his kindness and consideration for people. His voice alone was very noticeable when he talked about anything, especially about church and Jesus. Your family will be in our prayers. Lord be with you.
Corey Caughron left a message on March 24, 2015:
My deepest condolences to the Cornelsen family. You are in my family's prayers.
Michael Smith left a message on March 24, 2015:
I remember dating Cindy that John and Lana would have us over after church with other young folks for refreshments. He was always kind to me and had encouraging words to say. He will be missed.
Sue Ritchie Spicer left a message on March 30, 2015:
Words can't begin to express how very sorry I am for your tremendous loss . I pray that with each new day your precious family will find renewed grace and strength that God so richly bestows upon you and may God cradle your hearts in His love. Love you allso very much.
Robert and Gaqlyn Flannagan left a message on March 25, 2015:
Our condolences for your family in this time of sorrow, praying for comfort for your family.
Melinda Babbitt left a message on March 24, 2015:
Dearest sympathy.. Many prayers to you and your family. Such a sweet man and with a big heart, much love to you all.
Bill and Bonnie Miller left a message on March 24, 2015:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With love and memories, Bill and Bonnie Miller
Brenda Smothermon left a message on March 24, 2015:
I'll miss his piano playing and him saying Savior! That was his signature praise! John was one of a kind . There will never be another quite like him. See you soon, Brother John!
John David sanford left a message on March 24, 2015:
Well the last time I seen him.was at Thomsine smith funeral.he shook my hand and gave me a hug.and invited me to come visit.and he said he had remembered me from like almost thirty yrs ago from church and school.and times I had stayed over. me an John John would play his Lincoln logs.he was always good to me.and I'm so sorry for the families lost. I'll will always remember him as brother John.
Darlene Ashby Stalter left a message on March 24, 2015:
Sis Lana, John jr, Tabitha, Rachel, and Shalom. My heart is so heavy for you during this most difficult time. Your dad was one of most Godly men of God I had the privilege of knowing. He was always kind and doing good for others. He will truly be missed. May you find peace and comfort knowing he is not suffering anymore and that one day you will see him again. love, hugs, and prayers to you all!! sincerely, Darlene
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Don Smith left a message on March 23, 2015:
Our deepest condolences to Sis. Lana and the children of my friend, Bro. John Cornelsen. I and many others share your deep loss. John was one of the finest Christian men I have ever known and I will mourn his passing but I am sure if one thing- we will meet again.
Julia Peach left a message on March 23, 2015:
So sorry for your loss. Love, thoughts, & prayers.
Cheryl Smith left a message on March 23, 2015:
Praying for your family. What a loss.
Jason Whetstone left a message on March 23, 2015:
God's blessings be on the Cornelson family and all of their loved ones. Bro. John was a very positive influence on my life as a young man and since.
Jennifer & Mike Nargang left a message on March 23, 2015:
I have many memories of the times I was with the Cornelsen family, starting as a child. I spent many hours with Tabitha, John Jr. & Rachel and Bro John & Sis Lana. As an adult, we have worshipped with them on our various trips to the Fort Worth area. I loved to hear Bro John play and sing and he always had a story to tell. On a visit a few years ago, we spent several hours at their 'ranch' and he let my son zip-line. He still remembers that experience. My heart is there with you all even though I am unable to be there physically. As his obituary reads, Bro John lived his love of God and His son in all things. May God bring the comfort that only He can provide. All of our love...
Bobby & Penny Boyd left a message on March 25, 2015:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.
Biggers Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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