David M. Cornell

David M. Cornell, 79, of Parsons, passed away the morning of Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society in Parsons.

David Mitchell Cornell was born on March 29, 1944, to Eldred Barker and Alpha Elizabeth (Chastain) Cornell in Parsons, Kansas.  He grew up and attended school in Parsons, graduating from Parsons High School in 1962.

A lifelong Parsonian, in his younger years, he worked at Foremost Dairy and served in the United States Army Reserves.  Most of his adult life, David worked in all phases of construction.  After working for LaForge and Budd Construction for a number of years, David established his own business doing plumbing, painting and finish carpentry.

David was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church.  In the past, he was a member of the Jaycees.

On May 12, 1972, David and Verlene Ann White were united in marriage at the Washington Avenue United Methodist Church in Parsons.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include:

One son – Mike Cornell and his wife, Belinda, of Parsons, Kansas

One daughter – Shelly Heincker and her husband, Tim, of Frontenac, Kansas

Four grandchildren – Eric Cornell and his wife, Cristen; Justin Cornell and his wife, Samii; Daniel Heincker, and Natasha Heincker

Four great-grandchildren – Chris A., Blake, Luke and Macey Cornell

Two brothers – Earl Cornell of Palmdale, California; and Ron Ginn of Nixa, Missouri

Four sisters – Pattie Kanute of Erie, Kansas; Sharon Hopkins of Oklahoma; Cheryl Jefferson of Andover, Kansas; and Debbi Baugher of Parsons, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his father; his mother; his second father, Don Ginn; one grandson, Chris M. Cornell, in 2009; five brothers; and one sister.

Following cremation, there will be a Celebration of Life, which will be announced by the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the USD 503 Foundation – the Chris Cornell Fund or Wesley United Methodist Church.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.