Donald E. Cornelius, Sr., 96 of Utica passed away on May 22, 2026, at Country Club Rehabilitation Center in Mt. Vernon, OH. Don was born on October 5, 1929, near Grand Island, Nebraska to the late Hobart F. and Ellen G. (Urwiller) Cornelius.
He was a life-long dairy and beef farmer in Knox and Licking Counties. He loved farming, especially the dairy business and was a steward of the land. He owned registered Holstein dairy cattle and registered Polled Hereford cattle during his many years on the farm. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son Dan.
He graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1947. He served eight years in the Ohio Army Reserves.
He married Patricia A. Tarrh in 1949, and they were blessed with two sons, Donald E. Cornelius, Jr., and Daniel E. Cornelius.
Don was a member of the Owl Creek Baptist Church for more than 70 years where he served as a trustee.
Donald is survived by his son, Daniel E. Cornelius (Angela), granddaughter, Elizabeth Kakungulu, grandson, Zach Cornelius and sister, Joella Welsh.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Cornelius, son, Donald Cornelius, Jr., sisters, Dorothy Crouch and Dixie Guisinger, infant sister, Fern Cornelius, and brother, Robert Cornelius.
We are grateful to the family and friends who visited Don regularly. Special thanks to grandson Zach Cornelius for his weekly visits and support, the staff at CCRC for excellent care, and Don’s friend, Ken Ressler, who took Don to play cards weekly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Owl Creek Baptist Church, 4044 Owl Creek Church Rd., Mt. Vernon, OH 43050.
Honoring Donald’s request, there will be a private graveside service held in his honor.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Home: Brucker-Baker
Website: www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com